AirExplore Partners with FL Technics Wheels & Brakes

AirExplore, Slovakia’s largest airline, has signed a strategic agreement with FL Technics Wheels & Brakes for the maintenance of landing gear components. The long-term contract will cover part of AirExplore’s fleet, which has grown from 9 to 16 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2024. Both companies are part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider.

The partnership leverages FL Technics’ extensive European network of four specialised Wheels and Brakes facilities located in Vilnius, Budapest, Hanover, and Bergamo. Such wide coverage ensures timely support and reduced turnaround times for AirExplore's operations across the continent.

“We were looking to increase cost efficiency and reliability in our wheels and brakes maintenance and FL Technics’ solution has proven more suitable for our type of operation than our previous provider,” said Martin Stulajter, CEO of AirExplore. “The power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreement introduces a risk-sharing approach, which should deliver reliable service at a lower cost than before.”

According to Mr. Stulajter, for AirExplore, which operates on an ACMI principle and has all of its passenger fleet leased out for the 2025 summer season, reliability is of utmost importance. The airline’s recent rapid expansion across both passenger and cargo segments necessitated an MRO partner capable of supporting its growth trajectory while maintaining cost effectiveness.

The collaboration aligns with both companies' commitment to efficiency and sustainability. The presence of FL Technics in key locations reduces transportation distances, helping clients lower emissions and costs associated with component maintenance.

Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics, commented: “AirExplore’s trust in our Wheels and Brakes services validates our strategy of building Europe’s most comprehensive MRO network. Their rapid growth and operational demands perfectly match our capabilities to provide flexible, cost-effective maintenance solutions across multiple strategically located hubs.”

AirExplore is Slovakia’s largest airline operating a fleet of 16 Boeing 737-800 aircraft for ACMI and cargo services. FL Technics is a global aviation MRO leader with 23 subsidiaries worldwide.

Both companies are part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 209 aircraft worldwide and the parent company of over 250 subsidiaries. The group offers a wide range of aviation solutions, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and other related aviation services. Supported by 14,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group operates across 6 continents.