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*{{nowrap|[[SmartLynx Airlines Estonia]]}}
*{{nowrap|[[SmartLynx Airlines Estonia]]}}
*SmartLynx Airlines Malta
*SmartLynx Airlines Malta
| bases = [[Riga International Airport]], [[Tallinn_Airport|TLL]], [[Malta_International_Airport|MLA]]
| bases = [[Riga International Airport]], [[Tallinn Airport|TLL]], [[Malta International Airport|MLA]]
| alliance =
| alliance =
| website = {{url|smartlynx.aero}}
| website = {{URL|smartlynx.aero}}
| aoc =
| aoc =
| focus_cities =
| focus_cities =
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}}
}}


'''SmartLynx Airlines Limited''', previously ''LatCharter'', is a [[Latvia]]-based [[Aircraft_lease#Wet_lease|ACMI]], [[Charter airline|charter]] and [[Cargo airline|cargo]] [[airline]] based in [[Mārupe]],<ref name="about">"[http://www.smart-lynx.com/default.asp?Doc=3 About SmartLynx Airlines] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202112659/http://www.smart-lynx.com/default.asp?Doc=3|date=2014-02-02}}." About SmartLynx Airlines. Retrieved on 24 January 2014. "Address Mazrūdas, Mārupes novads, LV-2167."</ref> operating flights on wet lease out (ACMI), holiday charter flights, ad-hoc passenger charter and cargo flights across [[Europe]], [[Africa]], [[Asia]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]] and the [[United States]].<ref name="about" />
'''SmartLynx Airlines Limited''', previously ''LatCharter'', is a [[Latvia]]-based [[Aircraft lease#Wet lease|ACMI]], [[Charter airline|charter]] and [[Cargo airline|cargo]] [[airline]] based in [[Mārupe]],<ref name="about">"[http://www.smart-lynx.com/default.asp?Doc=3 About SmartLynx Airlines] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202112659/http://www.smart-lynx.com/default.asp?Doc=3|date=2014-02-02}}." About SmartLynx Airlines. Retrieved on 24 January 2014. "Address Mazrūdas, Mārupes novads, LV-2167."</ref> operating flights on wet lease out (ACMI), holiday charter flights, ad-hoc passenger charter and cargo flights across [[Europe]], [[Africa]], [[Asia]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]] and the [[United States]].<ref name="about" />


==History==
==History==
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In 2006, [[Loftleiðir]], the [[aircraft lease]] arm of [[Icelandair Group]], acquired a majority 55% shareholding in the LatCharter stock, and eventually the whole company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Icelandair Group signs 3,5 billion ISK lease agreements with Israir {{!}} Loftleidir.com |url=http://www.loftleidir.com/press/detail/item466527/Icelandair_Group_signs_3,5_billion_ISK_lease_agreements_with_Israir/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=www.loftleidir.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Loftleidir Icelandic acquire 55% share in Latvian charter operator Latcharter |url=http://www.loftleidir.com/press/detail/item466515/Loftleidir_Icelandic_acquire_55__share_in_Latvian_charter_operator_Latcharter/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=loftleidir.com}}</ref>
In 2006, [[Loftleiðir]], the [[aircraft lease]] arm of [[Icelandair Group]], acquired a majority 55% shareholding in the LatCharter stock, and eventually the whole company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Icelandair Group signs 3,5 billion ISK lease agreements with Israir {{!}} Loftleidir.com |url=http://www.loftleidir.com/press/detail/item466527/Icelandair_Group_signs_3,5_billion_ISK_lease_agreements_with_Israir/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=www.loftleidir.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Loftleidir Icelandic acquire 55% share in Latvian charter operator Latcharter |url=http://www.loftleidir.com/press/detail/item466515/Loftleidir_Icelandic_acquire_55__share_in_Latvian_charter_operator_Latcharter/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=loftleidir.com}}</ref>


In 2007, the airline expanded its fleet by adding five more [[A320-200]]s and two [[767-300]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-04 |title=Latcharter Airlines |url=http://annual2007.icelandairgroup.com/group-review/global-capacity-solutions/latcharter-airlines/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002328/http://annual2007.icelandairgroup.com/group-review/global-capacity-solutions/latcharter-airlines/ |archive-date=2016-03-04 |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=icelandairgroup.com}}</ref> The aircraft were [[Wet leased|wet-leased]] to different airlines around the world. Since then, the ACMI market has been the company's primary focus, having operated for numerous carriers such as [[Air Malta]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-09-29 |title=Air Malta News Update |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/4676-air-malta-news-update |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref> [[SBA Airlines]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-18 |title=SBA Airlines News Update |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/8335-sba-airlines-news-update |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Finnair]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-13 |title=Finnair will use A320-200 wet-leased from SmartLynx in September/October |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/11852-finnair-will-use-a320-200-wet-leased-from-smartlynx-in-septemberoctober |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Condor (airline)|Condor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ch-aviation.ch/portal/news/18410-latvias-smartlynx-wet-leasing-a320s-to-corendon-and-condor |title=Latvia's SmartLynx wet-leasing A320s to Corendon and Condor |accessdate=2014-01-24 | website=ch-aviation.com }} </ref> In 2008, the company was renamed SmartLynx Airlines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LatCharter now SmartLynx {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/latcharter-now-smartlynx |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref>
In 2007, the airline expanded its fleet by adding five more [[A320-200]]s and two [[767-300]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-04 |title=Latcharter Airlines |url=http://annual2007.icelandairgroup.com/group-review/global-capacity-solutions/latcharter-airlines/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002328/http://annual2007.icelandairgroup.com/group-review/global-capacity-solutions/latcharter-airlines/ |archive-date=2016-03-04 |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=icelandairgroup.com}}</ref> The aircraft were [[Wet leased|wet-leased]] to different airlines around the world. Since then, the ACMI market has been the company's primary focus, having operated for numerous carriers such as [[Air Malta]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-09-29 |title=Air Malta News Update |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/4676-air-malta-news-update |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref> [[SBA Airlines]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-18 |title=SBA Airlines News Update |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/8335-sba-airlines-news-update |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Finnair]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-13 |title=Finnair will use A320-200 wet-leased from SmartLynx in September/October |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/11852-finnair-will-use-a320-200-wet-leased-from-smartlynx-in-septemberoctober |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Condor (airline)|Condor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ch-aviation.ch/portal/news/18410-latvias-smartlynx-wet-leasing-a320s-to-corendon-and-condor |title=Latvia's SmartLynx wet-leasing A320s to Corendon and Condor |accessdate=2014-01-24 | website=ch-aviation.com }}</ref> In 2008, the company was renamed SmartLynx Airlines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LatCharter now SmartLynx {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/latcharter-now-smartlynx |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref>


In 2012, the airline was bought from Icelandair in a management [[Buyout|buy-out]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-02 |title=SmartLynx Airlines separates from Icelandair Group. |url=http://smart-lynx.com/default.asp?news=258&Doc=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910142523/http://smart-lynx.com/default.asp?news=258&Doc=2 |archive-date=2013-09-10 |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=/smart-lynx.com}}</ref> also forming a single aircraft subsidiary [[Smartlynx Airlines Estonia]] to serve Estonian tour operators.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-07 |title=SmartLynx establishes Estonian subsidiary for Tallinn charter flights |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/11686-smartlynx-establishes-estonian-subsidiary-for-tallinn-charter-flights |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation |language=en}}</ref> In 2014, SmartLynx transitioned into a paperless cockpit environment by using the Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro app as its electronic flight bag (EFB).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-12-18 |title=Latvian Airline Goes Paperless in the Cockpit with Jeppesen EFB |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2014/12/18/latvian-airline-goes-paperless-in-the-cockpit-with-jeppesen-efb/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Avionics International |language=en}}</ref>
In 2012, the airline was bought from Icelandair in a management [[Buyout|buy-out]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-02 |title=SmartLynx Airlines separates from Icelandair Group. |url=http://smart-lynx.com/default.asp?news=258&Doc=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910142523/http://smart-lynx.com/default.asp?news=258&Doc=2 |archive-date=2013-09-10 |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=/smart-lynx.com}}</ref> also forming a single aircraft subsidiary [[Smartlynx Airlines Estonia]] to serve Estonian tour operators.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-07 |title=SmartLynx establishes Estonian subsidiary for Tallinn charter flights |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/11686-smartlynx-establishes-estonian-subsidiary-for-tallinn-charter-flights |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation |language=en}}</ref> In 2014, SmartLynx transitioned into a paperless cockpit environment by using the Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro app as its electronic flight bag (EFB).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-12-18 |title=Latvian Airline Goes Paperless in the Cockpit with Jeppesen EFB |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2014/12/18/latvian-airline-goes-paperless-in-the-cockpit-with-jeppesen-efb/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Avionics International |language=en}}</ref>


In 2016, the company was bought by a Netherlands-based investment fund.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-24 |title=Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines sold to Dutch investment firm |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/55350-latvias-smartlynx-airlines-sold-to-dutch-investment-firm |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 2016, the company was bought by a Netherlands-based investment fund.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-24 |title=Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines sold to Dutch investment firm |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/55350-latvias-smartlynx-airlines-sold-to-dutch-investment-firm |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref>


In June 2016, Zygimantas Surintas was appointed as the company’s CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-02 |title=Zygimantas Surintas {{!}} Cargo Facts Symposium |url=https://cargofactssymposium.com/speaker/zygimantas-surintas/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=cargofactssymposium.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In June 2016, Zygimantas Surintas was appointed as the company's CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-02 |title=Zygimantas Surintas {{!}} Cargo Facts Symposium |url=https://cargofactssymposium.com/speaker/zygimantas-surintas/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=cargofactssymposium.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


In 2019, the airline established a subsidiary in Malta (SmartLynx Malta).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-25 |title=SmartLynx Gains AOC For Maltese Subsidiary |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/smartlynx-gains-aoc-maltese-subsidiary |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref> SmartLynx Airlines also became a part of [[Avia Solutions Group]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eestlaste seas populaarne tšarterlennufirma läks suure lennundusgrupi alla |url=https://arileht.delfi.ee/a/88654895 |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Ärileht |language=et}}</ref>
In 2019, the airline established a subsidiary in Malta (SmartLynx Malta).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-25 |title=SmartLynx Gains AOC For Maltese Subsidiary |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/smartlynx-gains-aoc-maltese-subsidiary |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref> SmartLynx Airlines also became a part of [[Avia Solutions Group]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eestlaste seas populaarne tšarterlennufirma läks suure lennundusgrupi alla |url=https://arileht.delfi.ee/a/88654895 |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Ärileht |language=et}}</ref>


In 2020, the airline expanded into air cargo transportation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Len |date=2022-11-09 |title=Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines Takes Delivery of Three A320 From GA Telesis |url=https://aviationsourcenews.com/news/latvias-smartlynx-airlines-takes-delivery-of-three-a320-from-ga-telesis/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=AviationSource News |language=en-US}}</ref> In February 2021, SmartLynx and [[DHL]] signed a partnership agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry |first=Rachelle |date=2021-06-10 |title=SmartLynx Malta expands fleet and DHL partnership with its first freighter |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/smartlynx-malta-expands-fleet-and-dhl-partnership-with-its-first-freighter/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}</ref> The partnership included two of SmartLynx Malta [[A321-200]]s transporting freight and goods on behalf of the [[Deutsche Post]] subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-13 |title=SmartLynx sees fleet growth in 2021 |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/smartlynx-sees-fleet-growth-in-2021/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}</ref>
In 2020, the airline expanded into air cargo transportation.<ref name="Varley">{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Len |date=2022-11-09 |title=Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines Takes Delivery of Three A320 From GA Telesis |url=https://aviationsourcenews.com/news/latvias-smartlynx-airlines-takes-delivery-of-three-a320-from-ga-telesis/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=AviationSource News |language=en-US}}</ref> In February 2021, SmartLynx and [[DHL]] signed a partnership agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry |first=Rachelle |date=2021-06-10 |title=SmartLynx Malta expands fleet and DHL partnership with its first freighter |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/smartlynx-malta-expands-fleet-and-dhl-partnership-with-its-first-freighter/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}</ref> The partnership included two of SmartLynx Malta [[A321-200]]s transporting freight and goods on behalf of the [[Deutsche Post]] subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-13 |title=SmartLynx sees fleet growth in 2021 |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/smartlynx-sees-fleet-growth-in-2021/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}</ref>


In October 2021, SmartLynx announced the establishment of an in-house line maintenance centre, SmartLynx Technik.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-19 |title=SmartLynx opens new line MRO |url=https://asianaviation.com/smartlynx-opens-new-line-mro/ |access-date=2022-02-07 |website=Asian Aviation |language=en-GB}}</ref> SmartLynx also leased several [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320]] aircraft to Nigerian airline [[Air Peace]] in November 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmartLynx to operate A320s for Nigeria's Air Peace |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/smartlynx-to-operate-a320s-for-nigerias-air-peace/146586.article |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> In December 2021, the airlines announced plans to open a new office in [[Vilnius]], Lithuania. <ref>{{Cite web |title=SmartLynx Airlines' expansion: a new competence and innovation centre is set to be opened in Vilnius |url=https://www.smartlynx.aero/en/news/smartlynx-airlines-expansion-new-competence-and-innovation-centre-set-be-opened-vilnius |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=SmartLynx |language=en}}</ref>
In October 2021, SmartLynx announced the establishment of an in-house line maintenance centre, SmartLynx Technik.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-19 |title=SmartLynx opens new line MRO |url=https://asianaviation.com/smartlynx-opens-new-line-mro/ |access-date=2022-02-07 |website=Asian Aviation |language=en-GB}}</ref> SmartLynx also leased several [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320]] aircraft to Nigerian airline [[Air Peace]] in November 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmartLynx to operate A320s for Nigeria's Air Peace |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/smartlynx-to-operate-a320s-for-nigerias-air-peace/146586.article |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> In December 2021, the airlines announced plans to open a new office in [[Vilnius]], Lithuania.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmartLynx Airlines' expansion: a new competence and innovation centre is set to be opened in Vilnius |url=https://www.smartlynx.aero/en/news/smartlynx-airlines-expansion-new-competence-and-innovation-centre-set-be-opened-vilnius |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=SmartLynx |language=en}}</ref>


In February 2022, SmartLynx Airlines signed an agreement with [[SMBC Aviation Capital]] to lease the first two [[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft. <ref>{{Cite web |title=StackPath |url=https://www.smartlynx.aero/en/news/smartlynx-airlines-flying-further-adding-boeing-737-max-8-fleet |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=www.smartlynx.aero}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-02-09 |title=SmartLynx Airlines to expand its fleet by adding new aircraft type |language=en |work=ajot.com |url=https://ajot.com/news/martlynx-airlines-to-expand-its-fleet-by-adding-new-aircraft-type |access-date=2023-02-16}}</ref> In March 2022, SmartLynx announced the introduction of first [[Airbus A330|Airbus A330-300]] freighters to its fleet after signing an agreement with Air Transport Services Group.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmartLynx Airlines to introduce first Airbus A330-300 freighters to its fleet |url=https://www.smartlynx.aero/en/news/smartlynx-airlines-introduce-first-airbus-a330-300-freighters-its-fleet |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=SmartLynx |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Rebecca |date=2022-03-10 |title=SmartLynx signs with ATSG for six A330-300 P2Fs |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/smartlynx-signs-with-atsg-for-six-a330-300-p2fs/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}</ref>
In February 2022, SmartLynx Airlines signed an agreement with [[SMBC Aviation Capital]] to lease the first two [[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=StackPath |url=https://www.smartlynx.aero/en/news/smartlynx-airlines-flying-further-adding-boeing-737-max-8-fleet |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=www.smartlynx.aero}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-02-09 |title=SmartLynx Airlines to expand its fleet by adding new aircraft type |language=en |work=ajot.com |url=https://ajot.com/news/martlynx-airlines-to-expand-its-fleet-by-adding-new-aircraft-type |access-date=2023-02-16}}</ref> In March 2022, SmartLynx announced the introduction of first [[Airbus A330|Airbus A330-300]] freighters to its fleet after signing an agreement with Air Transport Services Group.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmartLynx Airlines to introduce first Airbus A330-300 freighters to its fleet |url=https://www.smartlynx.aero/en/news/smartlynx-airlines-introduce-first-airbus-a330-300-freighters-its-fleet |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=SmartLynx |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Rebecca |date=2022-03-10 |title=SmartLynx signs with ATSG for six A330-300 P2Fs |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/smartlynx-signs-with-atsg-for-six-a330-300-p2fs/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}</ref>


SmartLynx also formed partnerships with airlines such as British airline [[EasyJet]], leasing several aircraft to EasyJet in June 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-19 |title=British airlines sidestep visa rules to hire European crews |language=en |work=thetimes.co.uk |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-airlines-sidestep-visa-rules-to-hire-european-crews-t85bj0blf |access-date=2023-02-16 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In October 2022, SmartLynx also announced it was adding four Airbus A321F freighters to its fleet, with plans to have 20 A321F aircraft by the end of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Len |date=2022-10-16 |title=Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines Adds 4 A321F Freighters to Fleet |url=https://aviationsourcenews.com/news/latvias-smartlynx-airlines-adds-4-a321f-freighters-to-fleet/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=AviationSource News |language=en-US}}</ref> The four new aircraft were acquired through a freighter conversion programme in partnership with Aero Capital Solutions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=Aero Capital and SmartLynx partner for A321 freighter conversions |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/services/freighter-conversions-mro/aero-capital-and-smartlynx-partner-for-a321-freighter-conversions/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}</ref>
SmartLynx also formed partnerships with airlines such as British airline [[EasyJet]], leasing several aircraft to EasyJet in June 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-19 |title=British airlines sidestep visa rules to hire European crews |language=en |work=thetimes.co.uk |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-airlines-sidestep-visa-rules-to-hire-european-crews-t85bj0blf |access-date=2023-02-16 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In October 2022, SmartLynx also announced it was adding four Airbus A321F freighters to its fleet, with plans to have 20 A321F aircraft by the end of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Len |date=2022-10-16 |title=Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines Adds 4 A321F Freighters to Fleet |url=https://aviationsourcenews.com/news/latvias-smartlynx-airlines-adds-4-a321f-freighters-to-fleet/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=AviationSource News |language=en-US}}</ref> The four new aircraft were acquired through a freighter conversion programme in partnership with Aero Capital Solutions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=Aero Capital and SmartLynx partner for A321 freighter conversions |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/services/freighter-conversions-mro/aero-capital-and-smartlynx-partner-for-a321-freighter-conversions/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}</ref>


In 2022, SmartLynx Airlines also celebrated its 30th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Len |date=2022-11-09 |title=Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines Takes Delivery of Three A320 From GA Telesis |url=https://aviationsourcenews.com/news/latvias-smartlynx-airlines-takes-delivery-of-three-a320-from-ga-telesis/ |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=AviationSource News |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2022, SmartLynx Airlines also celebrated its 30th anniversary.<ref name="Varley"/>


==Training centre==
==Training centre==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category-inline|SmartLynx Airlines}}
{{Commons category-inline|SmartLynx Airlines}}
*{{official|http://smartlynx.aero/ }}
*{{official website|http://smartlynx.aero/ }}


{{Portal bar|Latvia|Companies|Aviation}}
{{Portal bar|Latvia|Companies|Aviation}}

Revision as of 23:06, 2 August 2023

SmartLynx Airlines
IATA ICAO Call sign
6Y ART SMART LYNX
Founded1992 (as LatCharter)
Commenced operations1993
Operating basesRiga International Airport, TLL, MLA
Subsidiaries
Fleet size62
Parent companyAvia Solutions Group
HeadquartersMazrudas, Mārupe, Latvia
Key peopleZygimantas Surintas (CEO)[1]
Employees400+
Websitesmartlynx.aero

SmartLynx Airlines Limited, previously LatCharter, is a Latvia-based ACMI, charter and cargo airline based in Mārupe,[2] operating flights on wet lease out (ACMI), holiday charter flights, ad-hoc passenger charter and cargo flights across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada and the United States.[2]

History

A former LatCharter Airbus A320-200

The privately owned company started operations in 1993 with a leased Tupolev Tu-134B.[3][4] In 2001, the Tupolev fleet was replaced with the larger Yakovlev Yak-42 and in 2003, first Airbus A320-200 was inducted into the service on behalf of the airline.[3]

In 2006, Loftleiðir, the aircraft lease arm of Icelandair Group, acquired a majority 55% shareholding in the LatCharter stock, and eventually the whole company.[5][6]

In 2007, the airline expanded its fleet by adding five more A320-200s and two 767-300s.[7] The aircraft were wet-leased to different airlines around the world. Since then, the ACMI market has been the company's primary focus, having operated for numerous carriers such as Air Malta,[8] SBA Airlines,[9] Finnair,[10] Condor.[11] In 2008, the company was renamed SmartLynx Airlines.[12]

In 2012, the airline was bought from Icelandair in a management buy-out[13] also forming a single aircraft subsidiary Smartlynx Airlines Estonia to serve Estonian tour operators.[14] In 2014, SmartLynx transitioned into a paperless cockpit environment by using the Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro app as its electronic flight bag (EFB).[15]

In 2016, the company was bought by a Netherlands-based investment fund.[16]

In June 2016, Zygimantas Surintas was appointed as the company's CEO.[17]

In 2019, the airline established a subsidiary in Malta (SmartLynx Malta).[18] SmartLynx Airlines also became a part of Avia Solutions Group in 2019.[19]

In 2020, the airline expanded into air cargo transportation.[20] In February 2021, SmartLynx and DHL signed a partnership agreement.[21] The partnership included two of SmartLynx Malta A321-200s transporting freight and goods on behalf of the Deutsche Post subsidiary.[22]

In October 2021, SmartLynx announced the establishment of an in-house line maintenance centre, SmartLynx Technik.[23] SmartLynx also leased several Airbus A320 aircraft to Nigerian airline Air Peace in November 2021.[24] In December 2021, the airlines announced plans to open a new office in Vilnius, Lithuania.[25]

In February 2022, SmartLynx Airlines signed an agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital to lease the first two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.[26][27] In March 2022, SmartLynx announced the introduction of first Airbus A330-300 freighters to its fleet after signing an agreement with Air Transport Services Group.[28][29]

SmartLynx also formed partnerships with airlines such as British airline EasyJet, leasing several aircraft to EasyJet in June 2022.[30] In October 2022, SmartLynx also announced it was adding four Airbus A321F freighters to its fleet, with plans to have 20 A321F aircraft by the end of 2023.[31] The four new aircraft were acquired through a freighter conversion programme in partnership with Aero Capital Solutions.[32]

In 2022, SmartLynx Airlines also celebrated its 30th anniversary.[20]

Training centre

SmartLynx Training Centre is an approved training organization (ATO) in the Baltic States, providing type rating courses for Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.[33]

Fleet

SmartLynx Airlines Airbus A320-200
SmartLynx Airlines Airbus A330-300

As of August 2023, SmartLynx Airlines fleet - including all subsidiaries - consists of the following aircraft:[34][35]

SmartLynx Airlines fleet
Aircraft In service Passengers Notes
Airbus A320-200 29 180 12 operated by SmartLynx Airlines Ltd.
10 operated by SmartLynx Airlines Estonia
7 operated by SmartLynx Airlines Malta[36]
Airbus A321-200 8 220 10 operated by SmartLynx Airlines Ltd.
2 operated by SmartLynx Airlines Malta[36]
Airbus A321-200P2F 11 Cargo Operated by SmartLynx Airlines Malta[36]
Airbus A330-300 6 285-377 Operated by SmartLynx Airlines Malta[36]
Boeing 737 MAX 8 8 189 Operated by SmartLynx Airlines Malta[36]
Total 62

See also

References

  1. ^ Dron, Alan (11 May 2018). "SmartLynx to focus expansion on North and Central America". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 12 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b "About SmartLynx Airlines Archived 2014-02-02 at the Wayback Machine." About SmartLynx Airlines. Retrieved on 24 January 2014. "Address Mazrūdas, Mārupes novads, LV-2167."
  3. ^ a b "How far we've come". SmartLynx. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  4. ^ "Top 10 ACMI dedicated airlines in the world - AeroTime". 2022-02-05. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  5. ^ "Icelandair Group signs 3,5 billion ISK lease agreements with Israir | Loftleidir.com". www.loftleidir.com. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  6. ^ "Loftleidir Icelandic acquire 55% share in Latvian charter operator Latcharter". loftleidir.com. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  7. ^ "Latcharter Airlines". icelandairgroup.com. 2016-03-04. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  8. ^ "Air Malta News Update". ch-aviation.com. 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  9. ^ "SBA Airlines News Update". ch-aviation.com. 2012-02-18. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  10. ^ "Finnair will use A320-200 wet-leased from SmartLynx in September/October". ch-aviation.com. 2012-07-13. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  11. ^ "Latvia's SmartLynx wet-leasing A320s to Corendon and Condor". ch-aviation.com. Retrieved 2014-01-24.
  12. ^ "LatCharter now SmartLynx | Aviation Week Network". aviationweek.com. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  13. ^ "SmartLynx Airlines separates from Icelandair Group". /smart-lynx.com. 2012-07-02. Archived from the original on 2013-09-10. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  14. ^ "SmartLynx establishes Estonian subsidiary for Tallinn charter flights". ch-aviation. 2012-06-07. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  15. ^ "Latvian Airline Goes Paperless in the Cockpit with Jeppesen EFB". Avionics International. 2014-12-18. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  16. ^ "Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines sold to Dutch investment firm". ch-aviation.com. 2017-04-24. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  17. ^ "Zygimantas Surintas | Cargo Facts Symposium". cargofactssymposium.com. 2022-08-02. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  18. ^ "SmartLynx Gains AOC For Maltese Subsidiary". aviationweek.com. 2019-04-25. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  19. ^ "Eestlaste seas populaarne tšarterlennufirma läks suure lennundusgrupi alla". Ärileht (in Estonian). Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  20. ^ a b Varley, Len (2022-11-09). "Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines Takes Delivery of Three A320 From GA Telesis". AviationSource News. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  21. ^ Harry, Rachelle (2021-06-10). "SmartLynx Malta expands fleet and DHL partnership with its first freighter". Air Cargo News. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  22. ^ "SmartLynx sees fleet growth in 2021". Air Cargo News. 2021-10-13. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  23. ^ "SmartLynx opens new line MRO". Asian Aviation. 2021-10-19. Retrieved 2022-02-07.
  24. ^ "SmartLynx to operate A320s for Nigeria's Air Peace". Flight Global. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  25. ^ "SmartLynx Airlines' expansion: a new competence and innovation centre is set to be opened in Vilnius". SmartLynx. Retrieved 2022-07-20.
  26. ^ "StackPath". www.smartlynx.aero. Retrieved 2022-07-20.
  27. ^ "SmartLynx Airlines to expand its fleet by adding new aircraft type". ajot.com. 2022-02-09. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  28. ^ "SmartLynx Airlines to introduce first Airbus A330-300 freighters to its fleet". SmartLynx. Retrieved 2022-07-20.
  29. ^ Jeffrey, Rebecca (2022-03-10). "SmartLynx signs with ATSG for six A330-300 P2Fs". Air Cargo News. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  30. ^ "British airlines sidestep visa rules to hire European crews". thetimes.co.uk. 2022-06-19. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  31. ^ Varley, Len (2022-10-16). "Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines Adds 4 A321F Freighters to Fleet". AviationSource News. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  32. ^ "Aero Capital and SmartLynx partner for A321 freighter conversions". Air Cargo News. 2022-10-13. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  33. ^ "SmartLynx Airlines: What It Takes to Become an Airbus A320 Pilot?". Aviation News - Aviation Voice. 2020-01-16. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  34. ^ "SmartLynx Fleet Details and History". Planespotters.net. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  35. ^ "SmartLynx Fleet". SmartLynx. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  36. ^ a b c d e "SmartLynx Airlines - the Uber of aviation". SmartLynx. Retrieved 2023-02-16.

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