23 Apr 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 23rd 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CityJet has officially withdrawn CRJ900 EI-FPD from service, marking the end of its operational lifecycle with the Dublin-based regional carrier.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
Bahamasair Takes Delivery of ATR 72-600
C6-BFB, an ATR72-212A(600) (c/n 1075), was delivered to Bahamasair in Nassau on 4th April 2025. The aircraft, previously registered as OE-LTI, will support short-haul island connectivity across the Bahamas and neighbouring routes.
Acumen’s Take
Turboprops like the ATR72 remain ideal for high-frequency island operations. The delivery reflects Bahamasair’s ongoing fleet renewal focused on route efficiency, lower emissions, and operational agility.
Vueling Adds Another A320 to Summer Fleet
EC-OGD, an Airbus A320-232 (c/n 2911), was delivered to Vueling on 2nd April in Barcelona. The aircraft, previously OY-KAM, joins the fleet in preparation for high-demand summer travel across Southern Europe.
Acumen’s Take
With summer schedules approaching, Vueling’s latest A320 addition highlights the continued strength of point-to-point LCC demand in leisure markets. Timely aircraft redeployment is key to maximising seasonal revenue.
Global Aviation News
Airlines Embrace Long-Range Narrowbodies to Reduce Network Risk
Airlines are increasingly turning to long-range narrowbody aircraft like the A321XLR to manage risk, optimise costs, and expand into secondary markets with lower demand thresholds. The shift enables carriers to serve thinner routes more profitably than with widebodies.
Acumen’s Take
Long-range narrowbodies are redefining fleet strategy. For lessors and OEMs, this trend boosts demand for high-utilisation aircraft that offer widebody-like range with single-aisle economics, particularly attractive in post-pandemic route optimisation.
American Airlines Introduces Free Inflight Wi-Fi for AAdvantage Members
American Airlines has rolled out complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi for AAdvantage loyalty members, aiming to enhance passenger experience and boost program engagement. The feature is available across most of its domestic fleet.
Acumen’s Take
Free Wi-Fi is becoming the new battleground for passenger loyalty. Americans’ move raises the bar in North America and pressures competitors to follow suit, making connectivity a core part of the onboard value proposition.
Athens Airport Reports 10.8% Passenger Growth in March
Athens International Airport saw passenger traffic rise by 10.8% in March 2025, driven primarily by international travel. This marks one of the airport’s strongest monthly performances since pre-pandemic highs.
Acumen’s Take
Leisure and VFR-driven international demand is firmly rebounding across southern Europe. Athens’ growth also suggests pent-up regional travel is converting into sustained volume, creating new opportunities for short-haul fleet deployment.
Boeing-China Delivery Disruption May Be Short-Lived Despite Tariffs
Despite rising tensions and tariff implications, analysts suggest that mutual dependence between Boeing and China will likely limit long-term disruption to aircraft deliveries. Both sides are incentivised to maintain commercial cooperation.
Acumen’s Take
Geopolitical noise aside, aircraft demand in China remains strong. Lessors and OEMs with exposure to Chinese carriers should continue planning with cautious optimism, while staying alert to diplomatic shifts.
easyJet Becomes First UK Airline to Serve Scandinavian Mountains
easyJet has launched direct flights from the UK to the Scandinavian Mountains Airport, becoming the first British carrier to serve the emerging ski destination. The route supports year-round tourism in Sweden and Norway.
Acumen’s Take
This move demonstrates easyJet’s strategy to capitalise on niche but growing demand segments. Seasonal point-to-point routes with strong tourism backing offer high-margin opportunities for agile low-cost carriers.
Irish Aviation News
CoDA a Key Asset in North-Western Economic Development – Archibald
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey highlighted the strategic value of City of Derry Airport (CoDA) in supporting business, tourism, and connectivity across the North-West region. She emphasised the airport’s role in regional development and economic resilience.
Acumen’s Take
Regional airports like CoDA are critical to balanced national growth. Continued political support and funding for these gateways will remain essential to sustaining interconnectivity and unlocking private investment in underserved regions.
Aviation Industry Discussed in Dáil Éireann Debate on 9 April
Irish legislators debated the aviation sector’s future, covering slot allocation, sustainability, and regional airport viability. Calls were made for greater alignment between policy, infrastructure investment, and aviation competitiveness.
Acumen’s Take
Ongoing Dáil debates reflect the increasing urgency of crafting a national aviation roadmap. For stakeholders, this is a pivotal moment to engage on infrastructure, decarbonisation incentives, and regional support.
BGS Extends Fuel Supply Deal with Ryanair at Four Airports
Baltic Ground Services (BGS) will continue supplying aviation fuel to Ryanair at four European airports, extending their nine-year partnership. The deal reflects Ryanair’s ongoing focus on cost efficiency and operational stability.
Acumen’s Take
Reliable fuel partnerships are central to LCC operational models. Long-term deals like this signal stability amid volatile energy markets and reinforce the importance of scale and predictability in ground operations.
Minister O’Brien: Dublin Airport is a National Advantage
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has described Dublin Airport as a competitive asset Ireland must “leverage further.” He stressed the importance of capacity expansion and long-term planning to maintain the airport’s global standing.
Acumen’s Take
Dublin’s position as Ireland’s primary international gateway makes long-term infrastructure certainty critical. As traffic climbs, clarity on expansion plans will directly affect route development and leasing decisions.
Joe Gill: Boeing Needs Tariff-Free Trade to Protect U.S. Aerospace Jobs
Analyst Joe Gill argued that Boeing’s future competitiveness—and its ability to sustain high-value U.S. jobs—hinges on free trade agreements with Europe, warning that tariffs could disrupt cross-border supply chains.
Acumen’s Take
This reinforces the aviation industry’s deep reliance on stable international trade. For Irish lessors and transatlantic carriers, trade friction poses a real risk to aircraft pricing, delivery timelines, and regulatory cooperation.
Ryanair Calls for End to Air Traffic Tax in Germany
Ryanair has demanded that Germany eliminate its air traffic tax, claiming the levy limits competitiveness and deters expansion. The airline hinted that tax relief would trigger significant growth and base expansion across German airports.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair continues to use its growth leverage to push for regulatory and tax reforms. For Ireland, any shift in German policy could ripple through network planning and cross-EU capacity allocation for summer 2026.
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
Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith Talks Trade, Demand & Luxury Travel
In an in-depth interview, Benjamin Smith discusses how global trade tensions and premium travel trends are influencing strategy at Air France-KLM. He also highlighted La Première’s growing role in attracting high-yield long-haul travellers.
Acumen’s Take
Smith’s comments signal a shift toward premium segmentation and long-haul profitability. Despite macro headwinds, major network carriers are betting on experience-driven loyalty to offset soft spots in economic demand.
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First Nonstop Nashville–Dublin Flight Takes Off
Aer Lingus has launched its inaugural nonstop flight between Nashville and Dublin, a milestone in U.S.–Ireland connectivity. The event was marked by strong tourism and media support in both cities.
Acumen’s Take
New transatlantic links like this support route diversification beyond major hubs. For Aer Lingus, this launch strengthens its U.S. footprint while giving Tourism Ireland access to growing southern U.S. markets.
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel Faces New Roadblocks
A recent update outlines how regulatory shifts and feedstock limitations are complicating the commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), even as industry targets accelerate.
Acumen’s Take
SAF development remains a cornerstone of aviation’s decarbonisation plans—but the road to scale is complex. Stakeholders will need to align technology, policy, and funding to keep the 2030 targets in sight.
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