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Aero Capital Solutions partners with SmartLynx Airlines to launch its Airbus A321 freighter program, SmartLynx to grow A321F fleet to 20

Aero Capital Solutions, Inc. (ACS) has announced the launch of its Airbus A321 freighter conversion program, as a complement to its current 40-aircraft Boeing 737-800SF P2F program.

The A321F program is being launched in partnership with SmartLynx Airlines (Smartlynx), one of the most experienced A321 freighter operators in the world. The addition of the program further exemplifies ACS specialization and expertise in the narrowbody freighter market.

The first four A321’s of the joint program have already been initiated through sale lease-back between the parties, where ACS acts as a lessor and financier, while SmartLynx efficiently operates the aircraft after conversion completion.

Upon deliveries of the additional four freighters, the SmartLynx A321F fleet will reach up to 15 units. The cargo operator’s intended freighter fleet growth aligns with ACS’ expanding freighter fleet.

SmartLynx added these comments:

SmartLynx Airlines has announced an addition of four Airbus A321Fs to its growing cargo fleet to ensure flights in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.

The additional freighters will bring SmartLynx’s fleet to a total of 15 active aircraft of this type by H1, 2023, with a plan to expand up to 20 by the end of the year. 

All four A321Fs – MSN 941, 961, 1185, and 1241 are part of a sales-leaseback agreement with Aero Capital Solutions, Inc. (ACS) and will be registered in Malta after the conversion. The passenger-to-freighter conversions are being undertaken by Precision Aircraft Solutions (Precision) and Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW).

The expansion is one of the key components of SmartLynx’s strategic plans to become the largest operator of A321F freighters in the near future. The A321F offers many advantages, having the highest payload and the most versatile, customer-friendly features in the cargo market today. Moreover, A321F is the most fuel-efficient narrowbody cargo aircraft available, and choosing this type of aircraft underlines SmartLynx`s commitment to more sustainable air transportation.

SmartLynx’s main focus still will be passenger operations, but the company`s cargo operation volumes are expected to grow from 10 % to around 40 % in the next two to three years. In the coming years, the airline is planning to operate up to 20 aircraft of this type.

Top Copyright Photo: Smartlynx Airlines Cargo (Malta) – DHL Airbus A321-212 (F) (PCF) 9H-CGA (msn 891) CDG (Manuel Negrerie). Image: 955379.

SmartLynx introduces the first freighter registered in Malta

SmartLynx has made this announcement:

As the latest edition to its growing fleet, SmartLynx is proud to announce the introduction of the first freighter aircraft registered in Malta. The A321F, with the registration 9H-CGA, is the first aircraft of its type to be registered in Malta and is also the first of its type to be introduced to the SmartLynx line-up of A320 and A321 aircraft.

SmartLynx – a family member of the Avia Solutions Group, the largest aviation and aerospace business group operating in Central and Eastern Europe – is also proud of the aircraft’s new livery, specially commissioned to feature both SmartLynx and DHL branding. The new freighter will fly to Leipzig where it will commence operations in support of the Express Division of Deutsche Post’s DHL group. The partnership will further enhance DHL’s unit Co2 emissions by introducing the most fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft in its class.

Compared to similar class freighter models, the A321F is regarded as a better option for the environment and lowering Co2 emissions, with a 20% reduction in fuel burn and its enhanced performance in range, payload, and volume capacity. The aircraft type is also acknowledged as being one of the most technologically advanced narrow-body fleet types in its class. 

Through its investment in the introduction of the A321F to the fleet, SmartLynx Malta is visibly demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and a forward-facing focus on a cleaner, more environmentally aware future for air freight transportation.

The introduction and Maltese registration of the new aircraft are regarded as setting new standards for SmartLynx and their progression in the freighter market. The SmartLynx A321F is perfectly placed to meet the ever-increasing demand for express global cargo transportation and comes as confirmation and recognition of the aviation company’s position in support of the freight movement sector. Among SmartLynx’s other main strengths that allow them to bolster their progressive response to the changing face of freight transportation are adaptability, swift response times, and a commitment to safety.

In addition to this quantum leap for SmartLynx Malta, plans are afoot for the introduction of additional A321Fs along with a future target of becoming one of the largest narrow-body cargo freight carriers.