07 Oct 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief -7th October 2025
Acumen Aviation Newsletters
Acumen Aviation’s newsletters offer deep dives into the most impactful trends and developments across the aviation sector. These resources are crafted to keep you informed about critical industry changes and provide actionable insights:
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs
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
EI-ILA Boeing 737-8200 c/n 62395 Ryanair Delivered Boeing Field–Dublin 27/09/25 (Aircraft No. 194)
Ryanair has taken delivery of another Boeing 737-8200, registered EI-ILA (MSN 62395), following a delivery flight from Boeing Field to Dublin on 27 September 2025. This marks the airline’s 194th “Gamechanger” aircraft, continuing its steady fleet expansion under the MAX programme. The high-capacity, fuel-efficient variant supports Ryanair’s drive to enhance operational efficiency, reduce emissions per passenger, and maintain its position as Europe’s leading low-cost carrier.
EI-ILB Boeing 737-8200 c/n 67121 Ryanair Delivered Boeing Field–Dublin 27/09/25 (Aircraft No. 195)
Ryanair has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a Boeing 737-8200, registered EI-ILB (MSN 67121), which arrived in Dublin from Boeing Field on 27 September 2025. The aircraft represents the carrier’s 195th “Gamechanger” jet, featuring increased seating capacity and enhanced fuel efficiency. The delivery forms part of Ryanair’s ongoing investment in sustainable growth, supporting its environmental targets and continued expansion across Europe’s competitive low-cost market.
EI-ILC Boeing 737-8200 c/n 62396 Ryanair Delivered Boeing Field–Dublin 27/09/25 (Aircraft No. 196)
Ryanair has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737-8200, registered EI-ILC (MSN 62396), following its ferry flight from Boeing Field to Dublin on 27 September 2025. This marks the airline’s 196th “Gamechanger” aircraft, arriving alongside two sister aircraft the same day. The addition reinforces Ryanair’s commitment to operating one of Europe’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets, supporting its ongoing network expansion and sustainability objectives across key markets.
Global Aviation News
Lufthansa Group Pursues Strategy to Boost Profitability and Operational Synergies
Lufthansa Group has outlined an updated strategic plan aimed at significantly enhancing profitability through 2030, with a strong emphasis on integration, digitalisation, and fleet modernisation. The Group plans to introduce more than 230 new aircraft including 100 long-haul units, while maximising synergies across its hub airlines, MRO, cargo, and point-to-point operations. New medium-term financial targets for 2028–2030 include an adjusted EBIT margin of 8–10%, a 15–20% adjusted return on capital employed, and over €2.5 billion in adjusted annual free cash flow. Additionally, Lufthansa aims to reduce 4,000 administrative positions by 2030 through automation and process optimisation.
Million Air St. George Opens Jet-A-Way Café at Regional Airport
Million Air St. George has launched the Jet-A-Way Café at St. George Regional Airport (KSGU), offering a new dining experience for both travellers and the local community. Officially opening on 17 September 2025, the café features indoor and outdoor seating, including a balcony with panoramic views of the airport ramp and Southern Utah’s red rock scenery. Located on the second floor of the FBO’s state-of-the-art facility, the venue enhances the airport’s hospitality offering and underscores Million Air’s commitment to elevating the customer experience across its network.
Norwegian Expands Network with 10 New Routes from Billund Airport
Norwegian has announced a major expansion at Billund Airport, increasing its route network from five to fifteen destinations across Europe. Beginning in 2026, the carrier will launch new direct services to Barcelona, Bergamo, Chania, Edinburgh, Rome, Gran Canaria, Malta, Naples, Nice, and Porto. These additions complement existing routes to Málaga, Alicante, Oslo, London, and Palma de Mallorca, positioning Billund as a key hub for leisure and business travel in Denmark’s growing regional market.
Policy Shifts and Strong Demand Drive Growth at Swedavia Airports
Swedavia is experiencing a surge in air traffic following the abolition of Sweden’s aviation tax in July, with record load factors and rising international demand across its 10 airports. Director of Aviation Business Elizabeth Axtelius noted that 2025 has been an “excellent year” so far, with seven new airlines joining the network and 35 new routes introduced or planned. The policy change has provided a significant boost to Swedavia’s recovery and competitiveness, reinforcing Sweden’s position as a key aviation hub in Northern Europe.
Puerto Rico Targets Expanded U.S. and European Air Connectivity
San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) continues to see strong passenger growth, with traffic up 5.2% year-on-year through August 2025 and 50% higher than pre-pandemic levels. According to Crystal J. Bell, Air and Cruise Access Director at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, three new airlines, Aeromexico, Arajet, and Contour, will begin operations at SJU this year, adding routes to Mexico City, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Dominica. The island is now pursuing additional U.S. and European links as part of its broader strategy to strengthen tourism and enhance global air connectivity.
Schiphol Proposes Freeze on Planned Charge Increase to Support Affordability
Schiphol wants to freeze charges for airlines next year so that flying to and from Schiphol remains affordable. Following a 41% charge increase in 2025, a further 5% increase was planned for 2026. Schiphol now intends not to implement this increase. The airport is currently in talks with airlines about this proposal.
United Airlines Launches CBP International Remote Baggage Screening Pilot
United Airlines has introduced a new initiative in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) programme designed to streamline international connections. The system eliminates the need for passengers to re-check baggage on select routes, reducing missed connections and improving the overall transfer experience. The pilot is currently available for travellers on United’s daily Sydney–San Francisco service with onward U.S. connections, marking a significant step toward modernising baggage handling and passenger processing efficiency.
Irish Aviation News
Dublin Airport to Be Redesignated as National Infrastructure Under Planning Laws
Dublin Airport is set to be redesignated as national infrastructure under updated Irish planning legislation, a move expected to streamline the approval process for major development projects. The redesignation underscores the airport’s strategic importance to Ireland’s connectivity, economy, and long-term transport planning.
FedEx to Launch Healthcare-Focused Dublin–Indianapolis Air Cargo Route
FedEx will introduce a new dedicated cargo service between Dublin (DUB) and Indianapolis (IND) later this month, targeting the growing healthcare and high-value goods sectors. Announced by EVP and Chief Customer Officer Brie Carere during the company’s September earnings call, the route is expected to cut transit times by a full day compared to existing options. The new service reinforces Dublin’s status as a key logistics hub for pharmaceutical and life sciences exports, strengthening trade links between Ireland and the United States.
Irish Air Corps Expands Aerial ISR Capabilities with SitaWare Integration
The Irish Air Corps has enhanced its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through the integration of the SitaWare suite aboard its Airbus C-295MPA maritime patrol aircraft. Equipped with SitaWare Headquarters and SitaWare Frontline, the aircraft now provide advanced situational awareness and real-time data sharing across Defence Forces Ireland operations. Operating over a maritime exclusive economic zone spanning 437,500 km², the C-295MPA fleet employs a suite of sensors including maritime radars, AIS, and ADS-B systems, significantly strengthening Ireland’s maritime domain awareness and national security monitoring capabilities.
Lifting Dublin Airport’s Passenger Cap Key to Strengthening Ireland’s Global Standing – Geoghegan
Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan has stated that removing Dublin Airport’s 32-million passenger cap is essential for enabling the capital to function as a “true international city.” He argued that the restriction limits Ireland’s global connectivity, economic competitiveness, and tourism potential. Geoghegan emphasised that expanding airport capacity would unlock new routes, attract investment, and position Dublin as a stronger gateway for international trade and travel, aligning with Ireland’s long-term growth ambitions.
Cabinet Approves Legislation to Address Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has secured Cabinet approval to advance primary legislation aimed at resolving the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. Emphasising the airport’s role as Ireland’s primary international gateway, O’Brien said the move would bring “much-needed clarity” to all stakeholders. Alongside the legislative process, daa will continue progressing its planning application for key infrastructure developments to support future growth. A new Stakeholder Forum will also be established to guide the application’s progress, reflecting the Government’s commitment outlined in the Programme for Government to lift the cap and safeguard Dublin’s long-term economic and connectivity potential.
Qatar Airways and Aer Lingus Announce New Codeshare Partnership
Qatar Airways and Aer Lingus have launched a new codeshare partnership effective 13 March 2024, expanding connectivity across the UK and Ireland for passengers worldwide. Under the agreement, Qatar Airways will place its code on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional-operated flights, enhancing access for travellers from Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and New Zealand. The collaboration further strengthens Qatar Airways’ relationship with International Airlines Group (IAG), marking full codeshare integration across all IAG carriers, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and Aer Lingus and reinforcing Doha’s role as a key global hub for European traffic.
Ryanair Expands Portugal Network with New Winter Routes – Excluding Lisbon
Ryanair has unveiled its winter 2025 schedule for Portugal, featuring 121 routes, including four new additions and increased frequencies on more than 30 existing services. The carrier will also base two additional aircraft in Madeira and Faro to support the expanded network. Notably, Lisbon has been omitted from the new schedule, reflecting Ryanair’s continued focus on strengthening its presence at regional airports across Portugal. The move highlights the airline’s strategy to drive growth in secondary markets while optimising operational efficiency during the winter season.
Tweet Picks
@BIEspana Wizz Air takes advantage of Ryanair's absence to accelerate in Spain: "Aena's fees are indeed competitive".
@business Boeing lands an order for as many as 225 aircraft from Turkish Airlines, 50 of them firm commitments, in another win for the US planemaker thanks to help from President Trump.
@davidshepardson .@SecDuffy urges European countries to abide by open skies agreements and notes actions on Mexico.
@EXYUaviation Belgrade becomes Flydubai’s third most served airport in Europe.
Video Picks
How U.S. Airports Can Prevent Airplane Collisions
This investigative feature explores the growing concern over near-miss incidents at U.S. airports and examines how technology, infrastructure, and training improvements can mitigate collision risks. Aviation experts and FAA officials discuss radar upgrades, ground surveillance systems, and procedural reforms designed to enhance runway safety. The video highlights both the human and technical factors behind recent close calls, offering a comprehensive look at how U.S. airports are evolving to strengthen safety standards across the national airspace system.
Indy to Dublin Route to Expand for 2026 Summer Travel Season
This segment covers Aer Lingus’s announcement to expand its Indianapolis–Dublin service for the 2026 summer season, increasing from four to five weekly flights. Airport officials and airline representatives discuss the route’s growing success, strong passenger demand, and its importance in boosting transatlantic connectivity between the U.S. Midwest and Ireland. The video also highlights how the expanded service strengthens Indianapolis’s position as an emerging international gateway while supporting tourism and business links with Ireland.
Interview with Wizz Air CEO and Co-Founder József Váradi on RLIVE TV
In this in-depth interview, Wizz Air CEO and co-founder József Váradi discusses the airline’s growth trajectory, operational resilience, and strategy for navigating Europe’s competitive low-cost market. Váradi shares insights into fleet modernisation, sustainability initiatives, and the carrier’s expansion into new markets. The conversation also delves into Wizz Air’s post-pandemic recovery, cost discipline, and long-term vision for maintaining profitability while delivering affordable travel options across its network.
Acumen’s Take
The aviation sector continues to demonstrate strong momentum across both airline operations and infrastructure development. Fleets are expanding, networks are diversifying, and regulatory frameworks are evolving to support sustainable long-term growth. With governments addressing capacity constraints and airports focusing on affordability and innovation, the industry is entering a phase of measured expansion backed by technological progress. As carriers invest in efficiency and modernisation, collaboration between policy, infrastructure, and operations remains key to maintaining resilience and profitability in a dynamic global market.
