Ireland-based ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group has finalised the acquisition of operator Skytrans, an airline based in Australia with a fleet of 13 regional aircraft comprising Cessna Grand Caravans and Dash 8s. Avia thus secures an Australian AOC, paving the way for both passenger and cargo flight operations. The move will, moreover, allow the group to access the lucrative domestic aviation market in Australia which, according to projections published in the Australian Aviation Network review of 2023, is set to exceed pre-COVID levels in 2024.

This development is part of the group's growth strategy within the Asia Pacific region. Expansion there provides valuable leverage to counterbalance the reduced seasonal demand in Europe by shifting aircraft between counter-seasonal regions. The obtained AOC brings the total number of air operator certificates held by the group to 12.

“This acquisition is part of our larger strategy, aimed at limiting the impact of seasonality while giving us access to new growing markets in Asia Pacific and further afield. By the end of the year, we aim to establish or acquire seven additional airlines, with countries like Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia firmly on our radar,” says CEO Jonas Janukenas.

According to newly-appointed managing director of Skytrans Gytis Gumuliauskas, while the company’s current activities will continue, the main goal is to extensively develop ACMI and wet lease operations. He says: “Passenger operations will be our main focus, with cargo being an area we’re willing to explore and develop in 2024 and beyond. To achieve these goals, we have plans to expand the fleet with A319 aircraft for passenger and with A321F for cargo transportation.”

Avia Solutions Group is the parent company to SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, AirExplore, KlasJet, Magma Aviation and more, operating worldwide. The group also comprises global MRO provider FL Technics, which has 100 line maintenance stations worldwide and maintenance hangars in Lithuania, Indonesia and the UK. Furthermore, Avia operates the largest independent pilot training organisation, BAA Training, with schools in Spain, France, Lithuania and Vietnam.