SmartLynx Airlines, the Latvian-based ACMI charter and cargo operator, has recently received its Australian Foreign Air Transport Operator Certificate (FATAOC) from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This will permit the airline to operate flights to, from, and within Australia. A step in the right direction for SmartLynx's strategic plans to widen its global reach in new countries, clientele, and markets. Zygimantas Surintas, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines, commented:
“We are proud to start operations on the Australian continent. This step is proof of our commitment to becoming the world’s leading and trustworthy ACMI airline.”
“The foreign air operator certification in Australia strengthens our competitive advantage to offer wet-lease services to international airlines and tour operators which already operate or plan cross-continental flights to and from this destination.”
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G'Day Australia
The recent approval to launch operations down under will be integral to the airline's wider plan to expand its global network. The authorization currently enables only the use of the airline's Airbus A330. However, the airline will seek certification for most of its fleet, consisting of Airbus A320 and A321, in addition to the Boeing 737. As announced on the airline's website: To receive FATAOC, SmartLynx has fulfilled all operational requirements and submitted the necessary certificates of airworthiness and maintenance schedules for Airbus A330-type to be operated in Australia.
A fleet of 55 aircraft
SmartLynx is currently home to 55 aircraft and looks to increase this to 65 by the end of the year. Its current fleet compromises of the following:
- 29 x Airbus A320
- 6 x Airbus A330
- 8 x Airbus A321
- 13 x Airbus A321F
- 9 x Boeing 737 MAX
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SmartLynx Training Centre
The SmartLynx Training Centre is an approved training organization (ATO) within the Baltic States, enabling training and providing ratings for the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 family. Recognized by aviation professionals globally, the training center offers comprehensive ground training.
With 20 active experienced pilots with over 14,000 hours under their belt, they are utilized as instructors for up to 70 students per year. Most graduates are allowed to step into a career with SmartLynx Airlines. Since 2018, 96% of all graduates through the SmartLynx Training Centre program have been offered a role within the airline.
Formally LatCharter
Founded in 1992 as LatCharter, SmartLynx has offered passenger and cargo charter operations for various businesses across Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. With a history of multiple functions across the Baltic States, and Scandinavia, the airline currently holds three key entities:
- SmartLynx Airlines LTD
- SmartLynx Airlines Estonia
- SmartLynx Airlines Malta
The airline has formed strong partnerships with various airlines, such as easyJet, to which it leased several aircraft for its operations across the European summer in 2022. Last year, founded in 1992, the airline also celebrated 30 years of operation.