Dublin-based Avia Solutions Group has ordered 80 737-MAX. The transaction, split between 40 firm orders and 40 purchase rights, is the first direct order placed by the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider.
The order is part of Avia Solutions Group’s ongoing strategy of investing in bolstering its capacity to meet the continued strong demand from airlines globally for additional aircraft during peak seasons.
Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, said:
“Leisure-focused airlines around the world experience notable seasonal fluctuations in traffic, with peak demand for flights typically occurring in the summer season. To effectively meet this need for extra capacity, and increase revenue, airlines require additional aircraft specifically during these peak periods. ACMI, or wet leasing, is the optimal solution to address this need without airlines having to take on long-term financial commitments. As the world’s largest ACMI provider, carrying over 35 million passengers annually for our clients, we have committed to a strategic approach of expanding our capacity to meet our customers’ seasonal needs, and our first order with Boeing is a key pillar of this. This is a proud moment for all of us at Avia Solutions Group and is testament to the fact that Avia Solutions Group is now entering a clear phase of sustained growth. These 737 MAX will enhance the fleets of our airlines, giving their customers both operational flexibility and greater fuel efficiency.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing said:
“ACMI providers such as Avia Solutions Group offer important, flexible capacity to meet the dynamic demand in our industry and we are honored Avia has selected Boeing airplanes to help meet that demand from its customers,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “By choosing the 737-8, Avia is aligning with its customers’ plans to operate increasingly fuel-efficient fleets that improve the passenger experience.”
The deliveries will start in 2030. The Group currently operates a fleet of 220 aircraft, including 14 737-8s.
ACMI is a strategic B2B solution for seasonal fleet management that allows scheduled airlines to manage their fleets efficiently, adjust to market fluctuations and maximize their revenue by increasing aircraft capacity during peak demand seasons only. It is recognized as one of the few ways for scheduled airlines to improve profitability by 2% to 3%.
Avia Solutions Group has 11 AOCs (Air Operator certificates or “AOC”), including Avion Express, Smartlynx, Klasjet, Air Explore, BBN, Ascend Airways, Skytrans and others. These AOCs operate all year round in 60+ countries for various scheduled airlines and tour operators.
By building this global network of AOCs, Avia Solutions Group can strategically transfer its aircraft to markets where its customers need additional seasonal capacity.
Avia Solutions Group consists of 250+ companies providing a wide range of aviation services such as aircraft maintenance and repair (MRO) by FL Technics, pilot and crew training by BAA Training and ground handling by Aviator & BGS. The Group’s team encompasses 14,000 highly qualified aviation professionals.