04 Feb 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 4th February 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: This newsletter discusses BOC Aviation's expansion with 47 new aircraft commitments in 2024, achieving a record-owned portfolio of 435 aircraft. It also covers China Aircraft Leasing Group's acquisition of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, scheduled for delivery by August 2025. Additionally, it highlights China Eastern Airlines' partnership with Travelport to enhance distribution capabilities through multi-source content solutions, including New Distribution Capability (NDC) content.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-feb-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Industry Newsletter: This edition covers Air India's appointment of Airesources Incorporated as its General Sales Agent in the Philippines to enhance market presence. It reports on Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru's 17% year-on-year increase in cargo volumes, solidifying its position as India's leading airport for perishable exports. The newsletter also highlights IndiGo's launch of daily flights between Mumbai and Jharsuguda, Odisha, aimed at boosting regional connectivity.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-feb-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: This newsletter details Avolon's completion of its acquisition of Castlelake Aviation Limited, adding 106 leased aircraft to its portfolio. It also announces ABL Aviation's appointment of Donal O’Shea as Chief Technical Officer to oversee global technical operations. Additionally, it covers Engine Lease Finance Corporation's purchase of an Airbus A320-200 from Aircraft Leasing & Management and SMBC Aviation Capital's delivery of a fourth Airbus A320neo to Chile's SKY Airline.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-feb-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: This update highlights significant movements in the Irish aviation sector, including Aer Lingus's acquisition of a new Airbus A321-253NY, Air Astana's ferrying of an Embraer 190-E2 to Amman, and ITA Airways' repositioning of an Airbus A320-214 to Varna. Additionally, it covers ASL Airlines Ireland's transfer of a Boeing 737-4Q8(F) to Mojave for potential modifications and Aergo Capital's ferrying of an Airbus A330-343 to Shanghai for Passenger-to-Freighter conversion.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-feb-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: This edition reports on Aviation Capital Group's delivery of a Boeing 737-9 MAX to United Airlines, BNDES's approval of R$2.1 billion financing for Embraer to export 16 E-175 aircraft to Republic Airways, and Broward Aviation Services' acquisition of a Boeing 737 NG from AerCap for disassembly. It also highlights JetBlue's introduction of the 'EvenMore' premium travel experience, offering enhanced passenger amenities.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-feb-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
Irish Aero News
Aer Lingus Launches Dublin-Verona Airbus A330 Charter Series
Aer Lingus will commence a weekly charter service between Dublin and Verona on January 11, 2025. Operating on behalf of a tour operator, the service will use a 317-seat, two-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft under flight numbers EIN4416/17. The inaugural flight was conducted by EI-DUZ, an Airbus A330-302 (MSN 0847). This deployment underscores Aer Lingus's strategic use of its wide-body fleet to capitalise on seasonal travel demand to popular destinations like Verona, renowned for its proximity to world-class ski resorts.
Acumen’s Take:
Aer Lingus's decision to deploy the Airbus A330-300 for a European charter route demonstrates a flexible fleet utilisation strategy, optimising aircraft usage during off-peak long-haul periods. This approach not only maximises asset productivity but also caters to niche markets, enhancing revenue potential.
Air Thanlwin Revitalizes Fleet with Ex-Aer Arann ATR72
Yangon-based Air Thanlwin has returned an ATR72-212A (500) aircraft, registered as XY-AJI (msn 797), to service after a period of storage. Formerly registered as EI-REP with Aer Arann, this aircraft is one of two ATR72-500s in Air Thanlwin's fleet with Irish origins. The airline, which rebranded from Yangon Airways in 2019, now operates a fleet comprising two ATR72-212 and two ATR72-212A (500) aircraft.
Acumen's Take:
Reintroducing previously stored aircraft reflects Air Thanlwin's adaptive fleet management in response to evolving market conditions. Effectively utilising existing assets can be a cost-efficient strategy for meeting rising passenger demand without immediate capital expenditure on new aircraft.
FlyArystan Expands Fleet with New Airbus A320neo
Kazakhstan's low-cost carrier, FlyArystan, has taken delivery of a new Airbus A320neo, registered as EI-KFD (msn 12272), on January 15, 2025. This addition brings the airline's A320neo fleet to 11, contributing to a total fleet of 24 aircraft, including 13 Airbus A320ceos. The new aircraft, named "Spica," symbolises the airline's aspiration to lead in affordable and comfortable air travel. FlyArystan's President, Richard Ledger, highlighted that this acquisition enables the airline to offer new routes and increase flight frequencies, reaffirming its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Acumen's Take:
FlyArystan's fleet expansion with the fuel-efficient A320neo aligns with industry trends toward sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The A320neo's advanced technology offers reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, supporting the airline's growth strategy in the competitive low-cost market.
Aircraft Update
EI-KID Airbus A320-271N Delivered to Air Astana
Air Astana has taken delivery of an Airbus A320-271N (c/n 12360) from Toulouse to Almaty on January 28, 2025. This latest addition strengthens Air Astana’s commitment to modernising its fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft. The A320neo is known for its enhanced fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and improved passenger comfort. The aircraft will play a key role in expanding Air Astana’s domestic and international operations across Asia and Europe.
Acumen's Take:
Air Astana's continued investment in the A320neo family highlights a growing trend among airlines prioritising fuel efficiency and sustainability. This aligns with the broader industry shift toward reducing emissions and cutting operating costs. With airlines under increasing regulatory pressure to decarbonise, acquisitions like this reinforce the importance of next-generation aircraft in fleet planning strategies.
OE-IDN Airbus A319-132 Registered at Shannon
A former Brussels Airlines Airbus A319-132 (c/n 3790), previously registered as OO-SSQ, has been re-registered at Shannon under KDAC Aircraft Holding on January 31, 2025. This aircraft is expected to undergo modifications before being placed with a new operator or returned to service under leasing arrangements.
Acumen's Take:
This registration transfer indicates potential remarketing efforts or a lease transition, a common strategy for extending aircraft lifecycles. The Airbus A319 continues to be a popular choice for regional and short-haul routes, particularly for airlines looking for cost-effective fleet solutions. The market for used A319s remains strong, with demand driven by low-cost carriers and charter operators.
Global Aviation News
airBaltic and SUA Líneas Aéreas Enter Strategic Partnership in Latin America
airBaltic has announced a new strategic partnership with Argentina-based SUA Líneas Aéreas, enhancing connectivity between Europe and Latin America. This agreement allows passengers to access a wider network, combining airBaltic’s European reach with SUA’s operations in South America.
Acumen’s Take:
This partnership reflects a growing trend in global airline collaborations, particularly between Europe and Latin America. For airBaltic, this is an opportunity to expand its footprint in a high-growth region while SUA gains access to European traffic flows. This move also supports the increasing demand for seamless long-haul connectivity, a key driver for airline growth post-pandemic.
Air Europa Seeks Investment to Strengthen Latin America Network
Air Europa is actively seeking new investment partners to bolster its Latin American operations, with its extensive network in the region being a primary attraction for investors. The carrier has long positioned itself as a key player in connecting Europe and Latin America, making it an appealing opportunity for potential stakeholders.
Acumen’s Take:
With rising competition in transatlantic travel, securing investment is critical for Air Europa to expand operations and maintain its competitive position. Latin America remains a key aviation growth market, and airlines with strong regional ties are in a favourable position to capitalise on the increasing demand for air travel.
American Airlines to Suspend Frankfurt, Madrid & CDG Routes Due to B787 Delays
American Airlines has announced service suspensions for select European routes during the Summer 2025 season, citing continued Boeing 787 delivery delays. The impacted routes include flights to Frankfurt, Madrid, and Paris Charles de Gaulle, affecting travel plans for passengers across these destinations.
Acumen’s Take:
Boeing’s ongoing production delays continue to disrupt airline fleet strategies, leading to route adjustments and operational challenges. The suspension of key European routes underscores the importance of supply chain resilience in aircraft manufacturing. Airlines are increasingly diversifying their fleets to mitigate risks associated with production delays.
ANA Launches Stockholm-Tokyo Route, Strengthening Sweden-Japan Connectivity
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has introduced a new direct Stockholm-Tokyo service, significantly improving air connectivity between Sweden and Japan. The new route aims to serve business and leisure travelers, as well as cargo demand between the two nations.
Acumen’s Take:
Expanding long-haul international connectivity remains a priority for airlines seeking high-yield traffic flows. ANA’s move strengthens Japan’s aviation presence in Northern Europe, highlighting the growing demand for direct, intercontinental routes. This expansion aligns with post-pandemic recovery trends, where airlines are focusing on strategic market positioning.
ASL Airlines France Launches Paris & Lyon to Pristina Flights
ASL Airlines France has launched new direct flights from Paris and Lyon to Pristina, reinforcing connectivity between France and Kosovo. This marks a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion into Southeastern Europe and addresses the growing demand for travel to Pristina.
Acumen’s Take:
The introduction of these routes underscores the growing demand for regional connectivity between Western and Southeastern Europe. The Balkan market has been gaining traction in aviation investments, with airlines strategically positioning themselves in underserved markets. ASL Airlines France is capitalising on this trend to expand its presence.
Irish Aviation News
Aircraft Repairs Surge as Ireland’s Aviation Industry Thrives
Ireland’s aircraft MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) sector continues to expand, driven by increased global demand for maintenance services. The country remains a key hub for aviation leasing and technical services, solidifying its role as a leader in the industry.
Acumen’s Take:
The growth of MRO services in Ireland highlights the country’s strong aviation ecosystem. As fleets age and demand for aircraft maintenance rises, Ireland is well-positioned to capitalise on the global need for high-quality MRO facilities.
Kenny Jacobs Unveils Dublin Airport Expansion Plans
Dublin Airport CEO Kenny Jacobs has shared plans to enhance passenger experience, improve airport efficiency, and introduce healthier food options. The focus is on modernising airport infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger numbers.
Acumen’s Take:
With rising passenger traffic, infrastructure modernisation is critical for Dublin Airport’s growth. The airport’s commitment to passenger experience and sustainability-driven improvements aligns with global airport expansion trends.
Air Canada-Aer Lingus Slot Swap at Dublin Airport
A new slot swap agreement between Air Canada and Aer Lingus at Dublin Airport has been finalised. This strategic move aims to optimise transatlantic operations, ensuring more efficient scheduling and connectivity.
Acumen’s Take:
Slot management is crucial for maximising operational efficiency at congested airports. This agreement benefits both carriers by allowing them to better align schedules with demand and enhance transatlantic travel options.
Tweet Picks
X Post Picks:
@AviationWeek Electric seaglider startup Regent has broken ground on its new production facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, where it plans to begin manufacturing its 12-passenger Viceroy in early 2026.
@AviationWeek Ryanair has broken ground on a new, four-bay airframe maintenance hangar at Dublin Airport and is considering a move to insource some engine overhauls to help offset aftermarket supply chain constraints.
@bscholl We offered pre-brief interviews to both WSJ and NYT and invited both to come watch the flight. WSJ said supersonic isn't newsworthy until the full-scale Overture is carrying passengers. FT did a really nice job going deep.
@AINonline Gulfstream Aerospace’s large-cabin deliveries jumped by 32.6% to 118 in 2024 as the company spooled up deliveries of its new G700 flagship.
Video Picks
Boeing CEO Discusses 737 Production Challenges
Boeing CEO discusses the company’s plan to resolve supply chain bottlenecks and achieve key 737 production milestones in 2025.
Acumen's Take
Production issues remain a persistent challenge for Boeing. The ability to stabilise manufacturing and ensure on-time deliveries is critical for airlines relying on fleet expansion plans.
Kenny Jacobs on Dublin Airport’s 85th Anniversary
Kenny Jacobs shares insights on Dublin Airport’s historical milestones, future expansion, and its role in Ireland’s aviation sector.
Acumen's Take
Dublin Airport’s strategic vision aligns with global airport modernisation trends, ensuring continued growth and competitiveness.
Norfolk Airport CEO Discusses Potential International Flights
Norfolk Airport CEO highlights the possibility of direct international flights, aiming to expand global connectivity,
Acumen’s Take
Regional airports are increasingly focusing on international connectivity to drive tourism and business travel growth.
