31 Mar 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 31st March 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: China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings (CALC) delivered its first A321neo from Airbus Mobile Facility, marking its 200th aircraft milestone. Comac announced plans to increase C919 production by 50%, aiming for 75 aircraft in 2025 and 200 by 2029. Hainan Airlines launched a direct Beijing-Oslo route, strengthening China’s global connectivity.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-5-March-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Industry Newsletter: Air India Express celebrated its 100th aircraft milestone with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, reflecting its rapid post-privatization expansion. Air New Zealand and Air India signed an MoU for a codeshare partnership, boosting connectivity between India and New Zealand. IndiGo introduced its IndiGoStretch product on the Delhi-Chennai route, offering premium perks for travellers.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-5-March-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: Jackson Square Aviation appointed David Crull as its new CFO, succeeding Wilson Chen. Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) sold two E190 airframes and two engines to Regional One. Phoenix Aviation Capital, AIP Capital, and LuminArx acquired three Airbus A330-300 aircraft leased to China Airlines and EVA Air.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-5-march-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: This edition covers significant fleet developments, including new aircraft deliveries, leasing transactions, and freighter conversions. Cebu Pacific Air and Buraq Air Transport have expanded their fleets with A320 aircraft. Avolon, Malta Air, and Wizzair Malta registered or ferried aircraft to enhance their leasing operations. Meanwhile, AerSale Air and BBAM Aircraft Leasing repositioned freighters to support the growing cargo market.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-5-March-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Aviation Capital Group delivered a Boeing 737-8 MAX to Neos, marking the second of three scheduled deliveries. FedEx placed an order for 10 ATR 72-600F aircraft, expanding its regional cargo fleet. Malaysia Aviation Group confirmed an order for up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX jets to modernise its fleet. Air Lease Corporation announced the retirement of Executive Chairman Steven Udvar-Házy, who will transition to Non-Executive Chairman until 2026.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-5-March-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Boeing Delivers 175th 737 MAX to Ryanair Group
Boeing has delivered its 175th 737 MAX to Ryanair, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion strategy. Ryanair has consistently relied on the MAX to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs. This latest addition aligns with its plans to expand capacity across its European network.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s continued investment in the 737 MAX reaffirms the aircraft’s strong value proposition despite past challenges. The airline’s aggressive expansion and cost-cutting strategy indicate confidence in market recovery and sustained demand for low-cost travel. For lessors and investors, Ryanair’s fleet growth signals ongoing demand for narrowbody aircraft in the leasing market.
Fly4 Airlines Celebrates Its First Anniversary
Fly4 Airlines marks one year of operations, celebrating a year of steady network expansion and operational success. The airline has strengthened its footprint in key European markets, focusing on sustainable growth and passenger satisfaction. Plans for 2025 include further route additions and fleet expansion.
Acumen’s Take
A successful first year is a strong indicator of Fly4 Airlines' market adaptability. Start-ups that navigate initial operational challenges effectively often emerge as stable players. As Fly4 looks to expand, securing efficient aircraft financing and lease structures will be critical for long-term sustainability.
Neos Expands Fleet with a New 737-8 MAX
Neos has added a Boeing 737-8 MAX (EI-RZG) to its fleet, reinforcing its commitment to modernising its operations. The airline has strategically invested in next-gen aircraft to improve fuel efficiency and extend its long-haul capabilities. This move supports its expanding presence in both leisure and transatlantic markets.
Acumen’s Take
Neos’ fleet expansion aligns with a broader industry trend of airlines optimising fuel costs through next-gen aircraft acquisitions. As leisure travel demand grows, airlines with efficient fleet strategies will maintain a competitive edge. Lessors should watch how mid-sized carriers like Neos structure their lease agreements to balance operational flexibility and financial sustainability.
Aircraft Update
A6-AQP Airbus A320-214 – Delivered to Air Arabia
This Airbus A320-214, previously registered as VP-CEZ, was delivered from Shannon to Sharjah on 21st March 2025. The aircraft joins Air Arabia’s expanding fleet as the airline strengthens its presence in the Middle East and South Asia. The A320 remains a workhorse for low-cost carriers, offering fuel efficiency and high-frequency operations.
Acumen’s Take
The continued demand for A320 family aircraft highlights the ongoing preference for fuel-efficient narrowbodies in the LCC sector. Regional carriers like Air Arabia benefit from such fleet additions, ensuring sustained growth in high-density short-haul markets. The placement of such aircraft underlines the strong recovery in regional air travel.
A6-SHO Boeing 737-8BK(F) – Registered for SolitAir
This Boeing 737-8BK, previously operating as EI-HRA, has been converted into a freighter and was officially registered under SolitAir on 25th March 2025. The aircraft is expected to be deployed on short- and medium-haul cargo routes, catering to rising e-commerce and express logistics demand. The freighter conversion trend continues to reshape the narrowbody cargo market.
Acumen’s Take
The conversion of 737-800s into freighters remains a strong trend, particularly with the rise in e-commerce-driven cargo demand. SolitAir’s fleet expansion reflects the growing need for mid-size freighters that provide flexible, cost-efficient solutions for cargo operators. With ongoing supply chain constraints, cargo carriers are increasingly seeking fuel-efficient aircraft to optimise operations.
EC-OLG Airbus A330-343 – Delivered to Wamos Air
This Airbus A330-343, formerly registered as G-VKSS, was delivered to Wamos Air on 22nd March 2025 in Madrid. The aircraft will be utilised for long-haul charter and ACMI lease operations, catering to seasonal and high-demand markets. Wamos Air continues to expand its fleet to support the growing demand for wet-leasing solutions.
Acumen’s Take
Widebody acquisitions by operators like Wamos Air indicate a continued appetite for long-haul charter and ACMI leasing markets. With the growing demand for seasonal and ad-hoc capacity, maintaining a diverse fleet with efficient widebodies is crucial for charter carriers. The A330’s versatility in both passenger and cargo roles makes it a key asset in the leasing sector.
Global Aviation News
Air India to Announce Large Widebody Order at Paris Air Show
Air India is set to place a significant widebody aircraft order at the upcoming Paris Air Show. This move aligns with the airline’s ambitious expansion plans, particularly for long-haul routes connecting India to key international markets. The order is expected to include next-generation aircraft to enhance fleet efficiency and passenger experience.
Acumen’s Take
Air India’s commitment to expanding its widebody fleet signals strong confidence in long-haul travel demand. A large order will not only reinforce its global network but also indicate the airline’s intent to compete with Middle Eastern carriers. For lessors and financiers, this order presents opportunities for sale-leaseback transactions and fleet modernisation partnerships.
MIAT Eyes 737-800F, 767-300F for Freighter Fleet
Mongolian carrier MIAT is considering adding Boeing 737-800F and 767-300F aircraft to its freighter fleet. With Mongolia's growing role in air cargo logistics, these aircraft would support MIAT’s expansion into regional and international freight markets. The move highlights the rising demand for mid-sized freighters amid increasing e-commerce shipments.
Acumen’s Take
MIAT’s potential freighter fleet expansion reflects a broader industry shift towards dedicated cargo operations. The choice of 737-800F and 767-300F aligns with market trends favouring fuel-efficient, converted freighters. Investors should monitor MIAT’s financing and leasing strategy, as the success of this expansion will depend on securing favourable lease terms and cargo demand stability.
Play Europe Receives Air Operator Certificate in Malta
Play Europe has secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Malta, marking a key milestone in its European expansion. The certification enables the airline to operate under the EU’s regulatory framework, providing increased flexibility in route planning and aircraft deployment. This move is expected to support Play’s network growth and enhance its competitive positioning.
Acumen’s Take
Gaining an AOC in Malta strengthens Play Europe’s access to EU aviation markets, reducing operational barriers and enhancing regulatory stability. This development showcases the strategic importance of Malta as a jurisdiction for airline certification. Lessors and investors will be keen to assess how Play leverages this approval for its fleet and network expansion.
SolitAir Receives AOC, Dry Leases First Freighter
SolitAir has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and has dry-leased its first freighter aircraft. The new freighter will be deployed to serve rising cargo demand across Europe and beyond. This marks a significant step for the airline as it establishes itself in the growing air freight sector.
Acumen’s Take
SolitAir’s AOC approval and freighter acquisition indicate its readiness to capitalise on the booming cargo market. The dry-lease approach suggests a focus on asset-light expansion, which reduces financial risk while maintaining operational flexibility. Cargo operators and leasing firms should watch SolitAir’s fleet strategy as it scales up its operations.
South Korea’s t’way Air to Expand Fleet from Two B737-8s to Twenty by End 2027
South Korean low-cost carrier t’way Air has announced plans to expand its fleet of Boeing 737-8 aircraft from two to twenty by the end of 2027. This aggressive fleet expansion aims to support network growth across Asia, reinforcing the airline’s position in the region’s competitive LCC market.
Acumen’s Take
t’way Air’s decision to significantly grow its 737-8 fleet underscores the strong demand for fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft in the Asian market. Such expansion plans require careful financing and fleet management strategies. Lessors should anticipate increased leasing activity as the airline looks to scale up its operations.
Transavia Unveils Retro-Livery Airbus A321neo for 60th Anniversary
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Transavia has introduced a special retro-livery Airbus A321neo. The aircraft, painted in a classic design from the airline’s early years, represents a blend of heritage and modern efficiency. The A321neo will be deployed on key European routes, offering enhanced passenger capacity and fuel savings.
Acumen’s Take
Transavia’s decision to mark its anniversary with a retro-livery A321neo highlights the airline’s brand legacy while showcasing its commitment to fleet modernisation. The A321neo’s operational efficiency makes it a popular choice for carriers aiming to maximise capacity and reduce costs on high-demand routes. The move also reflects the growing trend of airlines using nostalgic liveries to engage customers and strengthen brand identity.
Irish Aviation News
Airbus, Boeing, or Beijing? Ryanair CEO Will Buy China's C919 'If It's Cheap Enough'
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has expressed interest in the Chinese COMAC C919 aircraft, stating that the airline would consider purchasing it if the price is competitive. While Ryanair has historically relied on Boeing for its fleet, this statement suggests the carrier is open to alternatives that could offer cost savings. The C919, China’s answer to the A320 and 737 families, has yet to establish a significant international presence.
Acumen’s Take
O’Leary’s remarks reflect a growing trend among airlines to diversify fleet options in search of better pricing. However, integrating a new aircraft type into Ryanair’s all-Boeing fleet would pose operational challenges. COMAC’s ability to secure international certification and scale production efficiently will be key factors in whether Ryanair or other Western airlines adopt the C919.
Condor Schedules Four Frankfurt – Tokyo Narita – Dublin Charters in April 2025
Condor has announced a series of four special charter flights between Frankfurt, Tokyo Narita, and Dublin this April. The flights cater to the strong demand for transcontinental travel and indicate growing confidence in long-haul tourism. These charters will temporarily connect Dublin with Tokyo, a rare direct link between Ireland and Japan.
Acumen’s Take
Condor’s charter operations highlight the flexibility of hybrid carriers to tap into niche markets. The Frankfurt-Tokyo-Dublin route showcases the demand for leisure and business travel between Europe and Asia. If successful, this could set the stage for more permanent long-haul routes involving Dublin as a key transit hub.
DAA Chief Kenny Jacobs Calls Capping Dublin to Support Regional Airports ‘Nonsense’
Kenny Jacobs, CEO of Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), has criticised proposals to cap Dublin Airport’s growth to encourage traffic at regional airports. He argues that limiting Dublin’s expansion would weaken Ireland’s aviation sector rather than strengthen regional connectivity. The debate continues as policymakers assess how to balance growth across the country’s airports.
Acumen’s Take
Airport capacity constraints remain a global challenge, and Ireland is no exception. While regional airports need support, restricting Dublin Airport could hinder economic growth and reduce Ireland’s competitiveness as an international travel hub. A more strategic approach would involve incentives for regional airports rather than artificial limitations on Dublin’s expansion.
ITIC Estimates That Inbound Tourism Has Recovered to Near Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has reported that inbound tourism to Ireland has almost fully rebounded, nearing pre-pandemic visitor numbers. The sector’s recovery has been driven by strong demand from North America and Europe, aided by increased air connectivity and government support for tourism initiatives.
Acumen’s Take
The revival of inbound tourism is a strong indicator of aviation market stability. Airlines and airports will benefit from sustained international demand, leading to potential route expansions and increased aircraft utilisation. Tourism recovery also reinforces the need for strategic capacity planning at Ireland’s major airports.
Irish Visits to USA Back to 95% of Pre-Pandemic Levels
Travel between Ireland and the USA has surged back to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, highlighting a strong transatlantic rebound. Demand for business and leisure travel remains high, with airlines responding by increasing frequency on key routes. The recovery reflects growing consumer confidence and the importance of the Ireland-US market.
Acumen’s Take
With transatlantic travel bouncing back, airlines operating between Ireland and the US will look to optimise fleet deployment and explore additional capacity. This trend also presents leasing and financing opportunities as carriers seek to meet rising demand efficiently. The sustained recovery of long-haul travel is a positive sign for widebody aircraft operators.
Ryanair Launches 2025 Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship Programme
Ryanair has introduced its 2025 aircraft engineering apprenticeship programme, aiming to train the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals. The programme reflects the airline’s long-term investment in in-house technical expertise as it continues to expand its fleet and operations.
Acumen’s Take
The aviation industry faces a growing skills shortage, particularly in technical roles like aircraft maintenance. Ryanair’s initiative is a proactive step to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled engineers, which will be crucial as the airline ramps up fleet expansion. Investing in apprenticeship schemes strengthens operational reliability and reduces dependence on external maintenance providers.
Tweet Picks
@Airbus “Hydrogen can and will fly,” confirms Glenn Llewellyn, Head of Hydrogen Aircraft at Airbus. #AirbusSummit #ZEROe
@airwaysmagazine Korean Air will redeploy one of its A330-200, halting Boeing 747 and A380 retirement plans amidst delivery delays.
@AviationNews Qantas has delayed its Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul A350 flights to 2027 as it awaits delivery of the planes from Airbus.
@bizjournals “We’re operating on technology that’s written in Fortran and Cobol. It is decades old,” United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said.
Video Picks
Air India Eyes Codeshares With Star Alliance Partners
Air India is in discussions to expand its codeshare agreements with Star Alliance partners, aiming to strengthen its global network. As the airline undergoes a major transformation under the Tata Group, expanding its international reach through alliances is a key strategy. Codeshares will provide passengers with seamless connectivity and enhance Air India’s competitiveness on global routes.
Acumen’s Take
Strengthening codeshare agreements is a logical step for Air India as it seeks to reassert itself as a leading global carrier. Leveraging the Star Alliance network will help fill connectivity gaps while boosting international passenger traffic. However, the success of these partnerships will depend on how effectively Air India aligns its operational standards with its alliance partners.
Akasa's Capital Lift-Off With Fresh Funding
Akasa Air has secured new funding to support its expansion plans, reinforcing its ambitions in the Indian aviation market. The fresh capital injection will enable the airline to grow its fleet, launch new routes, and strengthen its position in the competitive low-cost sector. This funding round signals investor confidence in Akasa’s long-term growth strategy.
Acumen’s Take
Securing additional funding is critical for any new airline, especially in a highly competitive market like India. Akasa Air’s ability to attract investment underscores its potential for sustained expansion. As it scales up, key challenges will include fleet financing, cost management, and maintaining operational efficiency in a price-sensitive market.
Etihad CEO on Booming Growth, IPO Talk, and Ethiopian Airlines Tie-Up
Etihad Airways is experiencing strong growth and is exploring strategic partnerships, including a potential collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines. The airline’s leadership has also hinted at a possible initial public offering (IPO) as part of its long-term financial strategy. These developments highlight Etihad’s efforts to solidify its position as a major global airline.
Acumen’s Take
Etihad’s growth trajectory and potential IPO indicate a strategic shift towards long-term financial sustainability. Partnerships with African carriers like Ethiopian Airlines could provide mutual benefits, improving connectivity and market access. If an IPO materialises, it could reshape the airline’s financial strategy and open new investment opportunities in the Middle Eastern aviation sector.
