SmartLynx Malta, a subsidiary of ACMI and charter provider SmartLynx Airlines, has signed a lease contract with VALLAIR that will see two newly converted A321-200 freighter aircraft joining its fleet.
SmartLynx Malta said it plans to expand its fleet and aims to have ten A321s by 2023.
Zygimantas Surintas, SmartLynx Airlines' chief executive, explained: "Entering the freighter market was a part of our expansion strategy placed in 2019.
"When we were considering freighter models, we looked into 737 Classics, 737NGs and A321s, but the clear choice was the A321. Firstly because of its favourable results in regards to CO2 emissions compared with other models, and there is the advantage of a commodity with the rest of our fleet.
"We plan to add eight more aircraft in the next three years, reaching 10 units by 2023, all Airbus type."
He added that the carrier is also expanding its charter operations, "so after the passenger market recovery, we will have one of the most competitive passenger/cargo platforms in the continent".
