SmartLynx will continue the expansion of its cargo business with the addition of two A321 freighters to its fleet early next year.
The company is aiming to operate a fleet of eight A321 freighters by the end of next year, which will make it the largest operator of the variant in the short term.
SmartLynx will receive the aircraft, both registered in Malta, through leases from financial firm Cross Ocean Partners.
“The A321 freighter has the highest revenue payload and the most versatile, customer-friendly features in today’s cargo marketplace,” the company said.
SmartLynx already has two A321Fs in its fleet, brought into operate on behalf of express freight firm DHL, and chief executive Zygimantas Surintas says the extra aircraft will help “consolidate the company’s position at the forefront of cargo carriers”.
“We are already witnessing a dramatically increased market interest for this aircraft type,” he added, pointing out that the company has made a “conscious decision” to follow the market demands for “more sustainable air transportation”.
US-based Precision Conversions is modifying the twinjets and SmartLynx expects them to enter service in the first quarter of 2022.
