The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) to SmartLynx Airlines that enables the Latvian airline to begin operations to, from, and within the US.
Since 2019, SmartLynx Airlines has operated flights to and from the US under a Maltese AOC. Now, this certification means that SmartLynx aircraft with Latvian AOC (Air Operator Certificate) registration are also eligible to operate these flights.
Riga-headquartered ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance), cargo and charter operator SmartLynx told Air Cargo News that the cargo flights are included in the certification.
"Our cargo aircrafts registered under Latvian AOC are also covered," said a SmartLynx spokesperson.
However, the airline did not provide any further details on planned operations, schedules or the aircraft that may be used for transatlantic flights.
SmartLynx operates Airbus A320, A321, A321F and A330 aircraft and Boeing 737MAX8 aircraft. At the end of the year SmartLynx will receive its 14th A321 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft.
SmartLynx stated: "With the certification received, SmartLynx will now be able to support airlines that operate cross-continental full charter and ACMI flights to and from this destination."
Edvinas Demenius, chief executive of SmartLynx Airlines, stated: "Air Operation Certificates are part of our infrastructure. It is crucial for an airline, especially ACMI, to have access to different regions.
"The US is the biggest and one of the most regulated aviation markets in the world and being able to provide our services there brings a lot of value to the airline and boosts our competitiveness. Approximately a third of our fleet operates under Latvian AOC. Therefore, this step allows us to expand our operations and gives more flexibility."
In 2023, the FAA completed the audit of the state agency "Civil Aviation Agency" (CAA), awarding Latvia the 1st category. It allowed aircraft operators registered in Latvia, like SmartLynx, to begin carrying out passenger flights on behalf of US airlines and commercial flights to the US, including from airports in other countries.
SmartLynx has been busy growing its cargo expertise recently. In February, Edvinas Demenius was hired as chief executive and then in April, Jan Belina was hired as deputy chief executive.
In August, the airline appointed Harris Manolopoulos as its new director of fleet, responsible for all aspects of SmartLynx’s passenger and cargo fleet.
https://www.aircargonews.net/1072928.article
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