22 Apr 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 22nd April 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: CALC secures a landmark US$700M warehouse facility with global bank support, Cathay Pacific announces full-fleet IFE and Wi-Fi by August, and CDB Aviation delivers two E190s to French regional carrier Amelia.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter - India Aviation Industry Newsletter: Air Kerala opens its Kochi HQ ahead of its June launch, Akasa Air enters Bihar with Darbhanga flights, and IndiGo expands its UAE network with daily services to Fujairah from Mumbai and Kannur.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-india-aviation-newsletter - Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: AFG acquires an A320 from Cebu Pacific, Avolon reports strong Q1 growth with a 1,096-aircraft portfolio, and DP Aircraft I leases two 787-8s to LOT as it transitions away from Thai Airways leases.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter - Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Deliveries to Air Astana, JetTime, Red Sea Airlines, and others underscore narrowbody demand, while ASL Airlines and Texel Air expand freighter operations with Boeing 737 conversions.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update - North American Aviation Newsletter: HALO AirFinance closes a mezzanine loan backed by a 747-8F, Vietnam Airlines secures US$560M from Citibank, and Vietjet signs a US$300M deal with AV AirFinance to support its historic Boeing order.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
CityJet Retires CRJ900 EI-FPD from Active Service
CityJet has officially withdrawn CRJ900 EI-FPD from service, marking the end of its operational lifecycle with the Dublin-based regional carrier. The aircraft had been a key part of CityJet’s fleet supporting ACMI operations across Europe.
Acumen’s Take
The retirement signals CityJet’s ongoing fleet streamlining and potential reorientation toward larger or more efficient regional types. It also reflects the broader shift in Europe’s regional market toward leaner, more fuel-efficient operations.
Ethiopian Airlines Operates 737 MAX to Dublin
Ethiopian Airlines has operated a Boeing 737 MAX into Dublin, signalling continued integration of the type into its European operations. The visit aligns with growing connectivity between Africa and Ireland, with Dublin increasingly positioned as a northern European hub for African carriers.
Acumen’s Take
Dublin’s utility as a technical and operational stop continues to expand. Ethiopian’s use of the MAX in European rotations also reinforces the aircraft’s growing reliability and appeal post-grounding.
United Airlines Launches Major Expansion in Dublin
United Airlines has announced a significant increase in service to and from Dublin, adding capacity and frequency across multiple U.S. gateways. The expansion reflects robust demand and Dublin’s key role in the transatlantic network.
Acumen’s Take
United’s move strengthens Dublin’s position as a transatlantic stronghold. For lessors and network planners, this signals enduring demand for widebodies and high-frequency services connecting Ireland and the U.S.
Aircraft Update
Boeing 737-800 Freighter Routed to Shannon for ASL Airlines Ireland
N916SC, a Boeing 737-86J(F) (c/n 30498), was ferried from Mojave to Shannon via Bangor on 14–15 April 2025. The aircraft is set to enter service with ASL Airlines Ireland under registration EI-HRD.
Acumen’s Take
Freighter conversions and placements remain strong, especially for Ireland-based carriers like ASL. The use of Shannon as a delivery point reinforces Ireland’s centrality in Europe’s narrowbody cargo market.
Vueling Takes Delivery of A320 in Castellón
OE-IAG, an Airbus A320-232 (c/n 3624), was delivered to Vueling in Castellón on 10 April 2025. The aircraft will support the Spanish LCC’s high-frequency summer schedule across Southern Europe.
Acumen’s Take
Vueling continues to deploy proven narrowbodies for leisure-driven routes. Aircraft placements into Spain ahead of the summer peak highlight the strategic timing of deliveries in high-demand LCC environments.
Global Aviation News
Airbus Logs 211 Orders and 71 Deliveries in March 2025
Airbus has reported a strong March with 211 new aircraft orders and 71 deliveries. Orders spanned both narrowbody and widebody programmes, led by continued demand for the A320neo family.
Acumen’s Take
This momentum affirms Airbus’s production resilience and sustained orderbook strength, particularly in narrowbody segments. For lessors, the delivery pace supports near-term placement activity, even amid supply chain headwinds.
Maersk Returns Its Oldest 767-200 Freighter
Maersk has retired and returned its oldest Boeing 767-200F from service. The aircraft had served in medium-haul cargo operations and will likely be replaced by newer, more fuel-efficient models.
Acumen’s Take
As newer freighter options enter the market, legacy types like the 767-200F are being phased out. This opens leasing and replacement opportunities, especially for conversions or mid-life widebody cargo assets.
Play Suspends Four European Routes, Refocuses on Southern Markets
Icelandic LCC Play is discontinuing four European routes and reallocating capacity to high-demand southern holiday destinations, citing shifting travel trends and profitability metrics.
Acumen’s Take
Seasonal and destination-driven route flexibility remains essential for LCC survival. Play’s move reflects broader network recalibration strategies, especially for carriers facing cost volatility on lower-yield routes.
Qatar Airways Introduces Starlink WiFi Across Fleet
Qatar Airways will offer high-speed inflight connectivity via Starlink, marking a leap in passenger experience across long-haul and short-haul operations.
Acumen’s Take
Qatar’s adoption of Starlink positions it at the forefront of inflight connectivity innovation. Enhanced digital services are now key differentiators for premium carriers targeting tech-savvy and business travellers.
SAS to Reinstate Business Class on European Flights by October
Scandinavian Airlines will bring back business class service on select European routes starting October 2025, aiming to cater to corporate travellers and premium leisure customers.
Acumen’s Take
SAS’s move reflects stabilising premium demand within Europe. Reintroducing business class signals a broader return to differentiated service tiers on intra-Europe routes—especially for network carriers seeking margin recovery.
Wizz Air Delays A321XLR Entry Due to Technical Issue
Wizz Air has delayed the introduction of its Airbus A321XLR fleet due to an unforeseen issue. The aircraft were expected to debut in 2024 but are now pushed back pending resolution.
Acumen’s Take
The delay impacts Wizz’s long-haul narrowbody strategy and may affect route launches. For lessors, it highlights the need for contingency planning in XLR portfolios amid ongoing certification and delivery risks.
Irish Aviation News
Dáil Éireann Debates Future of Irish Aviation Sector
On 8th April, Irish parliamentarians discussed challenges and opportunities in the national aviation sector. Topics included capacity constraints at Dublin Airport, the strategic role of regional airports, and sustainability funding.
Acumen’s Take
This debate highlights growing pressure on the government to deliver a long-term aviation strategy. For lessors, airlines, and infrastructure planners, policy clarity will be vital for future investment and network planning.
Ryanair Threatens Flight Cuts at Spanish Provincial Airports
Ryanair has warned it may cut winter 2025–26 flights from smaller Spanish airports, citing rising charges and operational inefficiencies. The airline is reviewing its network for cost-effectiveness across regional hubs.
Acumen’s Take
This move reflects Ryanair’s disciplined approach to route profitability. For Irish airports and tourism boards, it’s a reminder that performance and incentives directly impact network continuity.
Stormont Government Covers City of Derry Airport’s Operational Costs
The Northern Ireland Executive will assume operational funding for City of Derry Airport, easing financial pressure on local ratepayers. The support package ensures continued connectivity in the region.
Acumen’s Take
Government intervention underscores the strategic value of regional airports for social and economic inclusion. This funding model could influence future approaches to public support for underutilised airfields across Ireland.
Tourism Ireland Hosts U.S. Roadshow Across Four Cities
Tourism Ireland is leading a trade mission to Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Charlotte with 14 Irish travel companies. The campaign aims to grow inbound traffic via new and existing transatlantic routes.
Acumen’s Take
These missions are essential to route support, particularly for secondary U.S. markets. They enhance Ireland’s inbound recovery while reinforcing airline confidence in long-haul sustainability.
Dublin Airport Targets 20% Solar Power by 2030
daa has announced that 20% of Dublin Airport’s electricity needs will be sourced from solar energy by the end of the decade, supporting its wider environmental goals.
Acumen’s Take
This initiative strengthens Dublin Airport’s ESG profile, increasingly important to airline partners, investors, and regulators. It also enhances the airport’s long-term viability as a low-impact hub.
Cork’s Atlantic Flight Training Academy Celebrates 30 Years
The Atlantic Flight Training Academy in Cork marks its 30th anniversary. The milestone was celebrated on-air with reflections on Ireland’s role in global pilot training and aviation education.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s training ecosystem continues to punch above its weight. AFTA’s longevity speaks to the enduring demand for high-quality aviation education and the country's competitive advantage in this space.
Tweet Picks
@SimonCalder Two rules apply for a UK passport for a trip to EU (except Ireland): No more than 10 years old on day of departure; look at the issue date for this one. At least three months remaining on the intended day of return; look at the expiry date for that one.
@SimonCalder UK inbound tourism slumping compared with EU. More barriers to visitors every week. The promotional budget has just been cut by 42%. Now the chair of VisitBritain, Nick de Bois, tells me: “Government and in particular the Treasury just doesn’t get tourism”
@SimonCalder Tourism Alliance @tourismsvoice says: "We are poor as far as cost competitiveness is concerned: the World Economic Forum ranks the UK as 113th out of 118 countries for the price competitiveness of our tourism offer. The recent ETA and visa fee increases just compound the problem.
@SimonCalder Gvt spokesperson: “The UK is one of the most visited countries in the world. International tourism drives billions into our economy. We are supporting the continued growth of this industry to help meet our ambition to welcome 50mn international visitors a year to the UK by 2030.”
Video Picks
Aer Lingus Takes Irish Rugby Players Into the Flight Simulator
In a fun behind-the-scenes feature, Aer Lingus brought Irish rugby stars into the cockpit simulator for a flight challenge. The campaign blends brand engagement with national pride, reinforcing Aer Lingus’ partnership with Irish Rugby.
Acumen’s Take
Creative collaborations like this deepen brand affinity and broaden appeal beyond aviation. It’s a strong example of lifestyle marketing that builds public connection to the airline while supporting national sport.
Tariff Uncertainty Impacts Operations at Regina International (YQR)
A new segment details how potential U.S. tariffs are impacting smaller airports like Regina International (YQR), where concerns over passenger and cargo volumes are already leading to commercial caution.
Acumen’s Take
Smaller airports often feel geopolitical tremors first. Tariff threats are fuelling uncertainty in route planning and lease renewal decisions—especially for carriers operating marginal international services.
Michael O’Leary Shares a Humorous Take on Restaurant Tipping
In a light-hearted moment, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary spoke candidly about tipping culture after receiving a hefty restaurant bill. While not aviation-specific, the clip exemplifies his media-savvy approach to public engagement.
Acumen’s Take
Even off-topic, O’Leary’s media presence helps maintain Ryanair’s profile. His informal tone humanises airline leadership and keeps the brand consistently visible in mainstream and online channels.
