08 Oct 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief -8th 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
VT-IVU Airbus A320-271N c/n 8414 IndiGo Ferried Bangalore–Istanbul–Ireland West Airport 26/09–01/10/25
IndiGo’s Airbus A320neo, registered VT-IVU (MSN 8414), completed a ferry flight from Bangalore to Ireland West Airport (Knock) via Istanbul between 26 September and 1 October 2025. The aircraft’s arrival adds to the series of IndiGo fleet movements through Ireland West, which has become a regular transit point for storage, maintenance, and asset management activities. The A320neo, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines, underscores IndiGo’s ongoing fleet optimisation efforts and Ireland West’s growing role in supporting global aircraft transitions.
2-JAYN Airbus A380-941 c/n 114 AIFS Registered Ferried to Abu Dhabi 25/09/25 (ex EI-HKF)
An Airbus A380-941, registered 2-JAYN (MSN 114), has been ferried to Abu Dhabi on 25 September 2025 following its re-registration under AIFS. Formerly operating as EI-HKF, the superjumbo’s movement marks another significant transition within the secondary A380 market. The aircraft’s transfer highlights continued interest in repurposing or repositioning the type for new operational or storage roles, as global demand for widebody capacity remains strong amid evolving fleet strategies.
9S-PEB Airbus A321-211(F) c/n 808 CAA – Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation Delivered ex Tampa 26/09/25 (ex N986CM)
Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation (CAA) has taken delivery of an Airbus A321-211 Freighter, registered 9S-PEB (MSN 808), following its departure from Tampa on 26 September 2025. Formerly registered N986CM, the aircraft has undergone conversion from passenger to freighter configuration, enhancing CAA’s cargo capacity across its regional and international network. The addition marks a strategic step in expanding the Democratic Republic of Congo-based carrier’s freight operations amid growing demand for efficient, mid-size freighters in Africa’s logistics sector.
Global Aviation News
Boeing Reaches FAA-Imposed Limit of 38 737 MAX Aircraft per Month
Boeing has hit the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) mandated cap of producing 38 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft per month. The limit remains in place as Boeing works to demonstrate sustained production stability and improved quality control. The manufacturer continues to monitor six key performance indicators, including rework levels on undelivered aircraft, which have shown steady improvement despite occasional fluctuations. The milestone reflects Boeing’s gradual progress toward meeting regulatory expectations while maintaining consistency across its narrowbody production lines.
Emirates Expands London Heathrow Operations to 48 Weekly Flights
Emirates is set to increase its London Heathrow schedule to 48 weekly flights from 26 October 2025, adding six new services to meet rising winter travel demand. The airline currently operates six daily Airbus A380 rotations, with the additional frequencies to be served by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Operating daily except Fridays, each flight will offer more than 350 seats across three cabin classes. The expansion strengthens Emirates’ position on one of its busiest global routes, providing greater connectivity and flexibility for passengers travelling between Dubai and the UK.
Etihad Airways to Launch First Direct Asia–Palma de Mallorca Service in Summer 2026
Etihad Airways will introduce seasonal flights from Abu Dhabi to Palma de Mallorca starting 12 June 2026, operating three times weekly until mid-September. The route, served by the new Airbus A321LR, will be the only direct air link between Asia and Mallorca, opening seamless access to Ibiza and the wider Balearic Islands.
GetJet Airlines to Provide ACMI Capacity for Etihad Airways in Winter 2025/26
Lithuanian ACMI and charter specialist GetJet Airlines has entered a seasonal wet-lease agreement with Etihad Airways for the winter 2025/26 season. Under the deal, two Airbus A320 family aircraft will be based at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, operating regional routes on behalf of Etihad. The partnership enhances Etihad’s operational flexibility during peak travel months while highlighting GetJet’s growing presence in the Middle East ACMI market. GetJet founder Aleksandr Celiadin described the collaboration as an honour, emphasising the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, adaptable services to its airline partners.
IAG Cargo Expands Global Network with Enhanced 2025–26 Winter Schedule
IAG Cargo has announced its 2025–26 winter schedule, running from 26 October 2025 to 28 March 2026, featuring expanded capacity and connectivity across major international routes. The update includes the reinstatement of London–Bangkok flights (six times weekly) and daily London–Abu Dhabi services, strengthening links between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Irish exporters will benefit from new widebody cargo operations between Dublin and Madrid (twice weekly) and the return of Dublin–Miami flights (three times weekly). Additional network highlights include a new Madrid–Orlando connection and daily London–Dallas services, further bolstering IAG Cargo’s global trade network.
IATA Urges Governments to Facilitate Access to CORSIA-Eligible Carbon Credits
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), alongside leading carbon market stakeholders, has called on governments to act swiftly in expanding the availability of carbon credits for airlines under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The current supply of eligible units remains severely constrained, limiting carriers’ ability to meet compliance requirements. IATA is urging authorities to issue Letters of Authorization (LoAs) that would unlock the release of CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) for purchase, ensuring airlines can continue progressing toward global carbon reduction targets.
Indonesia Expands Airport Development Beyond Jakarta and Bali
Indonesia is refocusing its aviation strategy to drive growth outside its traditional hubs of Jakarta and Bali, with new international airport developments planned in emerging destinations such as Yogyakarta. The initiative aligns with the government’s objective to boost annual visitor numbers from 154 million to 162 million by 2025. By diversifying air access across the archipelago, Indonesia aims to stimulate regional tourism, enhance connectivity, and reduce pressure on its busiest gateways, supporting more balanced and sustainable aviation growth nationwide.
Istanbul Narrows Gap with Heathrow in Global Connectivity Rankings
London Heathrow has retained its title as the world’s most connected airport in 2025, with 59,240 connections to 226 destinations, according to OAG’s annual Megahubs report. However, Istanbul Airport has surged to second place, recording a 25% year-on-year increase in connectivity, underscoring its growing role as a global transit hub bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Amsterdam Schiphol ranked third, while Kuala Lumpur International Airport secured fourth place, reflecting the continued rise of key intercontinental hubs in shaping international air travel flows.
Irish Aviation News
Cabinet Backs Move to Scrap Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has secured Cabinet approval to initiate legislation that will remove Dublin Airport’s current annual passenger cap of 32 million. The government’s decision follows growing concerns from the aviation industry that the restriction has hindered the airport’s ability to expand routes and support Ireland’s economic growth. O’Brien confirmed that a formal memo will be brought to Cabinet in early October, marking the first legislative step toward lifting the cap and enabling Dublin Airport to accommodate rising travel demand and future connectivity needs.
Fouga Magister Presentation Announced at Shannon Aviation Museum
Shannon Aviation Museum will host an illustrated talk by Joe Maxwell, co-author of Fouga Magister – An Irish Perspective, on Saturday, 11 October at 2 p.m. The presentation will explore the aircraft’s design, development, and its introduction into Irish Air Corps service. The French-built jet trainer, which served with numerous air forces worldwide, played a pivotal role in revitalising France’s aviation industry after World War II and remains a significant chapter in Ireland’s military aviation history.
Ryanair Expands Zagreb Operations for Summer 2026
Ryanair has announced plans to increase flight frequencies from its Zagreb base for the 2026 summer season, beginning 29 March. Key routes such as London Stansted and Malta will see notable boosts, with both services rising to twelve weekly flights. The London Stansted route will operate double daily on most days, while Malta will have two daily flights on weekdays. The expansion reflects Ryanair’s confidence in Croatia’s growing market and its continued commitment to strengthening connectivity across Central and Southern Europe.
Shannon Airport Sees 16% Passenger Growth Over Summer 2025
Shannon Airport welcomed 755,000 passengers between June and August 2025, marking a 16% increase compared to the same period last year. The strong performance follows an 11% rise in passenger traffic from April to June, driven by new routes such as Shannon–Madrid, year-round services to Madeira, and winter flights to Lapland. Additional frequency increases on popular routes to Alicante, Edinburgh, and Krakow have further strengthened the airport’s connectivity and underlined its growing role as a key hub in Ireland’s west.
Irish Air Corps to Host Aviation Convention (AvCon) at Baldonnel
The Irish Air Corps has announced that the Aviation Convention (AvCon) will be held at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, on 2 October 2025. The landmark event is expected to attract between 7,000 and 8,000 students from across Ireland, offering a unique, hands-on introduction to the world of aviation. Designed to inspire future generations, AvCon will feature aircraft displays, flight demonstrations, and interactive exhibits showcasing the latest in aviation technology. Attendees will also have the chance to meet Air Corps personnel, pilots, engineers, and industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into aviation careers and Ireland’s growing aerospace sector.
Technology Revolution Redefines Ground Operations at Irish Airports
Irish airports are undergoing a digital transformation as advanced technologies reshape ground operations across the country. With Dublin emerging as Europe’s tech hub and Cork’s innovation corridor rapidly expanding, airports are integrating IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems into everyday operations. From predictive maintenance of ground support equipment to real-time tracking of aircraft servicing, these innovations are improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The evolution highlights Ireland’s growing role at the crossroads of aviation and technology, where data-driven systems are redefining how airports operate in the modern era.
Debate Intensifies Over Dublin Airport’s Passenger Cap
Nearly two decades after its introduction, Dublin Airport’s 32 million passenger cap remains a contentious issue as stakeholders clash over its future. The limit, originally imposed in 2007 as part of the planning approval for Terminal 2 to address road congestion concerns, is now viewed by many as outdated. Industry leaders argue that the restriction hampers Ireland’s economic growth and international competitiveness, while others cite infrastructure and environmental considerations as reasons to maintain tighter controls. The growing debate underscores the urgent need for a modernised policy approach that balances capacity expansion with sustainability and accessibility.
Insights from the Ryanair AGM: O’Leary Addresses Profits, Costs, and Growth Outlook
Ryanair’s annual general meeting, led by CEO Michael O’Leary and CFO Neil Sorahan, reflected a year of strong recovery tempered by cost pressures and softer fares. Shareholders reviewed the airline’s financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, which reported profits of approximately €1.4 billion down 16% year-on-year. O’Leary addressed the impact of rising operational expenses, aircraft delivery delays, and fare fluctuations, while reaffirming Ryanair’s long-term growth strategy focused on fleet expansion, network development, and maintaining Europe’s lowest cost base amid evolving market conditions.
Acumen’s Take
In this DAB the aviation developments highlight a sector in dynamic motion balancing growth ambitions with regulatory, environmental, and technological shifts. Airlines are broadening networks and modernising fleets, while governments and airports recalibrate policies to sustain expansion and efficiency. From digital transformation on the ground to renewed infrastructure planning and legislative reform in Ireland, the industry’s focus is firmly on resilience, innovation, and sustainability. As demand strengthens globally, coordinated progress across regulation, technology, and investment remains essential to ensuring aviation’s long-term stability and competitiveness.
