06 Oct 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief -6th October 2025
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IrishAero News
China Airlines A330-300 Arrives at Ireland West Airport
A China Airlines Airbus A330-301, registered B-18301 (MSN 0602), arrived at Ireland West Airport on 24 September 2025 at 10:01 local time. The aircraft, seen in basic China Airlines livery, operated as flight CAL077 from Taipei via Bangkok and Vienna before landing at Knock. The arrival marks a rare movement of a widebody aircraft from Taiwan’s flag carrier into Ireland West, underscoring the airport’s growing role in handling diverse aircraft operations.
CityJet Adds Ex-Lufthansa CRJ900 to Fleet
Irish ACMI operator CityJet took delivery of a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered EI-HSF (MSN 15089) and named Geiter Viking, on 24 September 2025. The aircraft will be based in Copenhagen and operate under a wet-lease agreement for SAS Scandinavian Airlines. Originally delivered to Lufthansa CityLine in 2006 as D-ACKJ, the jet later rejoined Lufthansa Regional before being transferred to CityJet via SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance earlier this year. The addition strengthens CityJet’s CRJ900 fleet, supporting its continued partnership with SAS and expanding its European ACMI operations.
Ryanair Group Reaches 196th Boeing 737 MAX Delivery
The Ryanair Group has expanded its Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 fleet to 196 aircraft following the delivery of seven new units in September. Three of the latest arrivals, EI-ILA (MSN 62395), EI-ILB (MSN 67121), and EI-ILC (MSN 62396), were ferried directly from Boeing Field to Dublin on September 27, 2025. The milestone reflects Ryanair’s sustained fleet growth and its ongoing investment in high-capacity, fuel-efficient aircraft as part of its long-term strategy to reduce costs and emissions across its European network..
Aircraft Update
A6-FPF Boeing 737-8 c/n 60986 FlyDubai Delivered Boeing Field–Shannon–Dubai 29/09–01/10/25
FlyDubai has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737-8, registered A6-FPF (MSN 60986), following a delivery flight from Boeing Field via Shannon to Dubai International between 29 September and 1 October 2025. The aircraft joins FlyDubai’s expanding 737 MAX fleet, supporting the carrier’s continued growth across its regional and medium-haul network. The addition further strengthens the airline’s focus on fuel efficiency and operational reliability within its single-aisle fleet.
EI-FPT Bombardier CRJ900 c/n 15438 CityJet Ferried Valencia–Keflavik–Gander–Toronto–Dayton 30/09–01/10/25
CityJet’s Bombardier CRJ900, registered EI-FPT (MSN 15438), was ferried from Valencia to Dayton via Keflavik, Gander, and Toronto between 30 September and 1 October 2025. The transatlantic movement suggests the aircraft’s repositioning for maintenance, lease transition, or potential remarketing. The flight underscores CityJet’s active fleet management strategy as it continues to optimise its regional jet operations across Europe and beyond.
TF-PPD Airbus A320-251N c/n 7676 PLAY Ferried Dublin–Toulouse Francazal 30/09/25 (Returned to Lessor)
Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY has returned an Airbus A320neo, registered TF-PPD (MSN 7676), to its lessor following a ferry flight from Dublin to Toulouse Francazal on 30 September 2025. The aircraft’s redelivery marks part of PLAY’s ongoing fleet adjustments as it streamlines operations and renews lease agreements within its narrowbody portfolio. The move aligns with the airline’s strategy to maintain an efficient, young, and flexible fleet for its transatlantic and European services.
Global Aviation News
airBaltic Celebrates 30 Years with Europe’s First In-Flight Choir Concert via Starlink
airBaltic marked its 30th anniversary with a historic Riga–Stockholm flight that transformed into a live concert, featuring a surprise performance by Latvia’s renowned choir MASKA. The event, streamed in real time using Starlink internet, became Europe’s first in-flight choir concert and was broadcast on Latvian Television. Operated as flight BT101 aboard an Airbus A220-300 in special Latvian flag livery (YL-CSL), the journey retraced airBaltic’s inaugural route from three decades ago, blending heritage with innovation.
Air France and Delta to Appoint New Ground Handling Partner at Amsterdam Schiphol
Air France and Delta Air Lines have informed KLM of their decision to seek an alternative ground handling partner at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for their below-the-wing operations, including baggage loading and unloading.
Braathens Files for Bankruptcy in Airbus Operations Amid Liquidity Shortfall
Braathens International Airways AB has filed for bankruptcy at the Stockholm District Court after efforts to secure financing for its Airbus operations proved unsuccessful. The decision impacts Braathens International Airways AB and Braathens Crew AB, resulting in the immediate cessation of all Airbus flight activities and affecting around 200 employees covered under the state wage guarantee. The airline will now concentrate on its ATR 72-600 turboprop operations, which continue as planned, aligning with its strategic shift toward a leaner regional fleet model.
Birmingham Airport Targets New Transatlantic and European Routes
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is planning to expand its transatlantic and European route network following a record year in 2024/25, when it handled 13 million passengers. Currently served by 29 airlines flying to 140 non-stop destinations, BHX offers onward connections to more than 600 cities worldwide. Positioned as the “Gateway to the Midlands,” the airport benefits from one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional economies and a strong business travel market second only to Heathrow, supporting ambitions for further long-haul and European growth.
Breeze Airways to Launch First International Routes in Early 2026
Breeze Airways has secured its U.S. flag carrier certification from the FAA, paving the way for the airline’s first international services. Beginning in the first quarter of 2026, Breeze will launch routes to Cancun, Montego Bay, and Punta Cana. The milestone marks a major step in the carrier’s growth strategy, expanding beyond its domestic network to tap into popular leisure markets across Mexico and the Caribbean.
Delta Air Lines to Launch First-Ever New York–Porto Route in 2026
Delta Air Lines will launch its first nonstop daily service from New York-JFK to Porto, Portugal on 21 May 2026, expanding its transatlantic network with seven new European routes next summer.
Emirates Wins Two Global Honours at 2026 APEX Awards
Emirates has been recognised with two major accolades at the 2026 APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California. The airline received the APEX Best™ Global Entertainment Award for its industry-leading inflight entertainment system, ice, and the APEX WORLD CLASS™ Award for excellence across customer experience and brand. These achievements reaffirm Emirates’ position as a global benchmark for service innovation, passenger comfort, and premium onboard experiences.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Expands Indianapolis–Dublin Service with Additional Weekly Flight
Aer Lingus will increase its Indianapolis-Dublin service to five weekly flights starting 13 April 2026, up from the current four. The added frequency will operate throughout the summer season, providing passengers from Indiana with greater transatlantic connectivity. The expansion reflects strong demand on the route and underscores Aer Lingus’s commitment to strengthening its North American network through strategic growth and improved schedule flexibility.
AFG Aviation Ireland Acquires Two CF6-80E1A4/B Engines from GEAM
AFG Aviation Ireland, a subsidiary of Aircraft Finance Germany, has completed the acquisition of two General Electric CF6-80E1A4/B engines from GE Aviation Materials (GEAM), part of GE Aerospace. Finalised on 24 September 2025, the engines were subsequently delivered to SAMI Airbus for Aircraft and Maintenance Services. The transaction underscores AFG’s continued role in engine trading and asset management within Ireland’s globally influential aviation leasing and maintenance sector.
Aircraft Engine Repair Sector Could Create 2,500 Jobs in Ireland
A new report by Goodbody analysts Dudley Shanley and Antonio Duarte suggests that Ireland could generate up to 2,500 jobs and billions in revenue through growth in aircraft engine repair and overhaul services. Global spending on engine MRO is projected to rise from $119 billion in 2025 to $156 billion (€134 billion) by 2035 as airlines invest in next-generation, fuel-efficient engines. The findings highlight a major opportunity for Ireland to leverage its aviation expertise and infrastructure to expand its presence in the high-value MRO segment.
Department of Transport Publishes Statement of Strategy 2025–2028
Ireland’s Department of Transport has released its new Statement of Strategy for 2025–2028, outlining six key goals: Connectivity, Effective Policy and Regulation, Sustainability, Transport Access, Safety and Security, and Organisational Excellence. Developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, the strategy aligns with the Government’s Securing Ireland’s Future programme and reinforces the Department’s mission to deliver a safe, efficient, and sustainable transport network. Ministers Darragh O’Brien, Seán Canney, and Jerry Buttimer emphasised priorities such as safety, accessibility, and sustainability, supported by a detailed Implementation Plan that defines measurable objectives through 2028.
FROSCH Ireland Acquires John Galligan Travel
FROSCH Ireland has announced the acquisition of Dublin-based John Galligan Travel (JGT), a boutique travel agency renowned for its 36-year legacy of personalised service and expertise in luxury cruises and polar expeditions. Founded by John Galligan, JGT has built a distinguished reputation for curating bespoke travel experiences and fostering lasting client relationships. The existing JGT team will remain in place, with John Galligan continuing for the next year to ensure a seamless transition under the FROSCH Ireland umbrella.
IATA Study Identifies SAF Technology Rollout as Key Obstacle to Net Zero, Not Feedstock Availability
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in collaboration with Worley Consulting, has released a new study concluding that sufficient sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock exists to achieve net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. However, the report highlights that the main barrier lies in the slow rollout of SAF production technologies. Currently, only HEFA-based processes such as those converting used cooking oil are commercially viable at scale.
Ryanair to Station Two Boeing 737s at Trapani from January 2026
Ryanair has announced plans to base two Boeing 737 aircraft at Trapani Airport from January 2026, establishing its third base in Sicily and 20th in Italy. The new base will support 23 routes, including fresh connections to Bari, Bournemouth, Saarbrücken, Verona, and Stockholm. The expansion follows the recent abolition of Sicily’s municipal tax on smaller airports, a move Ryanair has praised while urging for its extension across all Sicilian airports to further stimulate regional connectivity and tourism growth.
Tweet Picks
@AirbusintheUK The future of flight is taking shape! Great to see the eXtra performance wings built here in the #UK being attached to our #AirbusUpNext aircraft. Next stop, flight test in 2026!. Thanks to the #ATI for believing in this mission to find better, more efficient ways to fly.
@aviator_aero FAA will allow limited delegation to Boeing for issuing airworthiness certificates for some B737 MAX and B787 airplanes starting on 29 September 2025.
@AviationWeek The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into #MRO operations is underway, but adaption of the technology is in its early days, industry executives say.
@BIEspana Volotea reinforces its bet on secondary airports amid Ryanair's full withdrawal.
Video Picks
Air Travel System Is ‘Getting Safer’ Amid Reform Efforts, Says Sununu
In this interview, U.S. political leader Chris Sununu discusses the ongoing reforms aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of the American air travel system. He highlights recent regulatory changes, technological advancements, and coordination between federal agencies as key contributors to enhanced aviation safety. Sununu emphasises that while challenges remain, the continued focus on modernisation and oversight is driving meaningful progress across the sector.
Boeing Deal with China in Final Days of Talks
This segment explores the closing stages of negotiations between Boeing and Chinese authorities on a major aircraft purchase agreement. The discussion highlights the potential for renewed commercial cooperation after years of limited deliveries, with the deal expected to significantly impact Boeing’s production outlook and U.S.–China trade relations. Industry analysts in the video note that the agreement could mark a turning point for Boeing’s presence in the Chinese market and signal improving diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman on the Airline’s Future in Rhode Island
In this interview, Breeze Airways founder and CEO David Neeleman outlines the carrier’s long-term plans for growth in Rhode Island, highlighting the strategic importance of the state within Breeze’s expanding network. Neeleman discusses upcoming route developments, fleet expansion, and the airline’s focus on offering affordable, point-to-point connectivity across underserved U.S. markets. The conversation underscores Breeze’s commitment to building a sustainable operational base in Rhode Island while continuing its broader national expansion.
Acumen’s Take
This edition of the Daily Aviation Brief captures a global industry balancing expansion with transformation. Airlines continue to strengthen fleets, expand route networks, and refine partnerships while facing broader challenges around sustainability, policy evolution, and technology deployment. Ireland’s aviation ecosystem remains deeply integrated in these developments, from engine MRO and SAF innovation to strategic leasing and policy leadership. As market confidence builds, adaptability, collaboration, and innovation remain key drivers shaping the next phase of aviation growth.
