10 Jan 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 10th January 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:
- China Aviation Industry Newsletter: Highlights passenger growth, fleet expansions, and innovations such as the C919’s achievements in China’s burgeoning aviation market.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/china-aviation-industry-newsletter-1
- India Aviation Industry Newsletter: Focuses on Air India’s transformational growth and IndiGo’s expanding codeshare agreements, reflecting India’s role as a key aviation market.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: Covers critical leasing deals and strategic movements in Ireland, one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter-1
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Offers detailed updates on fleet deliveries, aircraft retirements, and key ferry flights impacting Ireland’s aviation ecosystem.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/irish-commercial-aircraft-update-1
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Explores fleet modernisation efforts, regulatory advancements, and major leasing updates shaping North America’s aviation market.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/north-american-aviation-newsletter-1
Irish Aero News
ASL Airlines Ireland Operates A330-200F for DHL
ASL Airlines Ireland has begun operating an Airbus A330-200F for DHL, expanding its capabilities in the growing air freight market. This aircraft strengthens DHL’s global logistics network, enabling efficient cargo transport to meet increasing demand driven by e-commerce and supply chain diversification.
Acumen’s Take
Cargo is an integral part of the aviation ecosystem, particularly as global trade and e-commerce continue to expand. Collaborations like this highlight the strategic role of advanced fleets and efficient cargo solutions in ensuring reliable supply chains. Acumen sees this as a key area for sustained growth and innovation.
Bombardier Global 6500 Demonstrator Visits Cork Airport
Bombardier showcased its Global 6500 aircraft at Cork Airport, demonstrating its impressive range and fuel efficiency, as well as its position as a leader in business aviation. The visit underlines Ireland’s strategic importance in the global aviation landscape.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland continues to play a pivotal role in connecting aviation players globally. The Global 6500’s advanced capabilities position it as a key solution for business aviation, an area where efficiency and performance are paramount. Acumen encourages continued innovation in high-performance aircraft to meet the growing demand for executive travel.
FLY4 Airlines Bases Boeing 737-800 at Münster-Osnabrück Airport
FLY4 Airlines has stationed a Boeing 737-800 at Münster-Osnabrück Airport, marking a strategic move to enhance its operational reach and connectivity within Europe.
Acumen’s Take
Strategic aircraft positioning is critical for regional carriers to optimise operations and expand reach. Acumen recognises such moves as vital for balancing cost-efficiency with increased accessibility to underserved routes, ultimately driving regional aviation growth.
Aircraft Update
N282GE Boeing 777-36N Ferried for P2F Conversion
AerCap’s Boeing 777-36N, c/n 33862, was ferried to Tel Aviv on 17 December 2024 for passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion. Previously registered as OE-ILT, this conversion reflects the growing demand for widebody freighters amidst the surging air cargo industry.
Acumen’s Take
The conversion of widebody aircraft to freighters aligns with the global push to optimise fleet utility while meeting increased air cargo demands. Acumen Aviation’s technical and advisory expertise supports such transitions, ensuring asset value retention and regulatory compliance throughout the conversion process.
VP-CRV Airbus A330-343 Ferried for P2F Conversion
Aergo Capital’s Airbus A330-343, c/n 1086, was ferried to Shanghai on 27 December 2024 for P2F conversion. Previously registered as HS-TET, the aircraft highlights the trend of utilising twin-aisle aircraft for efficient freight operations.
Acumen’s Take
With the A330 becoming a popular candidate for P2F conversions, Acumen offers comprehensive valuation, lease management, and technical oversight to stakeholders exploring opportunities in the booming freighter market.
Global Aviation News
British Airways Introduces Spend-Based Loyalty Programme
British Airways announced a shift to a spend-based loyalty programme, allowing customers to earn rewards based on their ticket cost rather than the distance travelled. This move aims to attract high-spending travellers and increase loyalty among premium customers.
Acumen’s Take
Loyalty programmes significantly influence customer retention and airline profitability. Acumen helps airlines develop strategies that enhance customer engagement while ensuring operational and financial feasibility.
ITA Airways and Icelandair Codeshare Deal
ITA Airways and Icelandair have signed a codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity between Italy and Iceland while offering seamless travel options to customers. The partnership expands network reach and strengthens transatlantic cooperation.
Acumen’s Take
Codeshare agreements present significant opportunities for route optimisation and market expansion. Acumen provides expert advisory on such collaborations to maximise operational benefits and customer satisfaction.
easyJet Adopts Lightweight Paint for Fuel Savings
easyJet has introduced lightweight paint across its fleet to reduce fuel consumption, marking an innovative approach to sustainability. This measure is expected to lower operating costs and reduce the airline’s carbon footprint.
Acumen’s Take
Sustainability is at the forefront of aviation innovation. Acumen supports airlines in adopting eco-friendly practices, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while enhancing operational efficiency.
Qatar Airways Returns to Damascus
Qatar Airways resumed flights to Damascus, becoming the first foreign airline to return to the city, with Turkish Airlines expected to follow soon. This marks a significant step in restoring international connectivity to Syria.
Acumen’s Take
Reopening routes to politically and economically recovering regions presents both opportunities and challenges. Acumen assists airlines in assessing risks, ensuring compliance, and optimising operational strategies for such markets.
SAS Expands Domestic Network
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced the expansion of its domestic network, focusing on strengthening regional connectivity across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Acumen’s Take
Regional expansions reflect the demand for enhanced domestic travel options. Acumen’s route optimization and fleet planning services empower airlines to capitalise on regional opportunities efficiently.
Irish Aviation News
January 2024 Peak for Passport Applications
Over 123,000 passport applications were received in January 2024, with a peak of 8,363 applications on January 28. This highlights the growing demand for international travel from Ireland.
Acumen’s Take
Increased passport activity correlates with rising travel demand. Acumen assists airlines and lessors in scaling operations to meet growing customer requirements in emerging travel hubs like Ireland.
Ryanair Expands Operations from Glasgow and Aberdeen
Ryanair announced new routes from Glasgow and Aberdeen, enhancing connectivity to key European destinations. This expansion aligns with Ryanair’s strategic growth plans in the UK market.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s strategic expansion underscores the importance of maintaining a dynamic and flexible fleet. Acumen provides robust leasing and asset management solutions to support such growth initiatives.
Tánaiste Announces New Helicopters for Air Corps
Ireland’s Tánaiste announced the procurement of four new helicopters for the Air Corps, which will enhance national emergency and defence capabilities.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland's investments in specialised aircraft demonstrate its commitment to advancing its aviation infrastructure. Acumen offers tailored solutions for effectively managing and maintaining government aviation assets.
Tweet Picks
@jonostrower There was so much to say about @AlaskaAir's pivot to be a global widebody airline, but embedded in its new strategy is a lesson about how formidable Delta, British Airways & Air Canada are and what it takes to compete head on...and win by simply surviving.
@JustinMBibb Big news for CLE! @AerLingus is adding more direct flights from @GoingPlacesCLE to Dublin, with year-round service starting in 2026. This strengthens global connections, boosts local business, and solidifies Cleveland as a global hub.
@kpottermn With Delta adding Rome & Copenhagen, @mspairport will see a 13% YOY jump in capacity to Europe next summer. But there's a ~20% jump next fall/winter as Delta & Aer Lingus fly to Dublin year-round, per Cirium. MSP called 2024 "the summer of Europe." 2025-26, it's fall & winter.
@simonasbartkus Kaunas is Europe's sixth fastest-growing airport this December, with +30.5% year-over-year flight growth. Thanks, Air Service One, for this analysis based on @cirium data.
Video Picks
Dubai Airports: Over 5 Million Passengers
Dubai Airports anticipates over 5 million passengers this season, showcasing the city’s role as a global aviation hub.
Acumen’s Take
Dubai’s passenger influx emphasizes the need for robust airport operations. Acumen’s expertise in operational strategy helps airports optimise capacity and manage growing passenger volumes.
Indian Aviation Highlights for 2024
This video covers key developments in India’s aviation sector, from infrastructure expansion to new airline routes.
Acumen’s Take
As Indian aviation grows, Acumen continues to support stakeholders with comprehensive solutions to address market challenges and capitalise on growth opportunities.
Air Travel Costs in Canada
This video examines the factors behind high air travel costs in Canada, highlighting challenges faced by airlines and passengers.
Acumen’s Take
Rising costs demand innovative operational strategies. Acumen offers insights into cost management, ensuring airlines achieve profitability while maintaining customer satisfaction.
