ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group has acquired UK-based business jet operator Synergy Aviation, later to be rebranded as Ascend Airways. Synergy has an AOC and Type B operating licence from the UK CAA, and this will enable the group to strengthen its position in the UK aviation market.

Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group, says: “We have been present in the UK aviation market for over 10 years, managing MRO and charter brokerage businesses. Having a UK AOC will create new opportunities for the group in the UK and will enable us to expand the geographic reach of our ACMI and charter services.”

Alastair Willson, who previously held the role of CEO and accountable manager at UK charter airline Titan Airways, will take over the company’s management and development of Avia Solutions’ UK charter and ACMI business. According to him, establishing a local AOC will benefit UK airlines, charter customers and consumers: “Our immediate focus is on working with the UK CAA to obtain a Type A Operating Licence, which will enable us to offer ACMI and charter services with 180 to 200 seat capacity aircraft by the end of the year. Our aim is then to offer UK customers locally based aircraft and crews to provide a more flexible and reliable service, minimising operational disruptions.”

Avia Solutions Group has a fleet of 180 aircraft and is the parent company of SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, Bluebird Nordic, KlasJet and Magma Aviation. The group holds 10 AOCs and plans further expansion in Latin America, southeast Asia and Australia.