Skytrans expands fleet with second Airbus A319 for ACMI growth

Australian-based passenger airline Skytrans, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group and the group’s first ACMI provider in Australia, has strengthened its fleet with the addition of a second Airbus A319 aircraft.

The introduction of a second Airbus A319 is an important part of Skytrans’ broader development plan to expand ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations and reinforce its position in the Australian market as a reliable and flexible partner. Offering a narrow-body Airbus A319, dedicated to ACMI aircraft lease and charter operations, Skytrans will enable regional carriers to operate more flights, add more routes, or evaluate new ones. It will also help replace aircraft that need maintenance without affecting scheduled flights.

The new aircraft is available for immediate ACMI leasing deployment and charter services in Perth, offering a dependable solution for carriers facing seasonal demand spikes, maintenance downtime, disruption coverage or short-term capacity gaps. Fully supported by experienced crew, certified maintenance, and global insurance coverage, the second Airbus A319 ensures smooth integration into any airline operation. With the growing demand for passenger flights in Australia, airlines are forced to look for flexible solutions to meet passengers’ expectations. The ACMI model enables carriers to quickly scale their capacity during peak travel seasons, helping them navigate market fluctuations and boost profitability by 2–3%.

Gytis Gumuliauskas, Managing Director and CEO at Skytrans, said: “Adding the second Airbus A319 is more than a fleet expansion. It will upgrade our operational capabilities, increasing our capacity and flexibility. This step strengthens our ACMI aviation services, enabling us to adapt to client’s operational needs and offer more agile, cost-effective solutions.”

According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) report, the total domestic air passenger travel in Australia is projected to grow by approximately 2.6% per year and the total domestic passenger numbers through Australian airports are expected to grow by around 2.2% annually, surpassing 237 million passengers by 2050.

To meet this growing demand and strengthen its market position, Skytrans has been strategically expanding its fleet capabilities throughout 2025. In February, the airline introduced the first new Airbus A319 model to its fleet, marking a significant step forward in its ACMI capabilities. In April, Skytrans further expanded its fleet with the addition of Dash 8-200 aircraft, which complement the existing Dash-8-100 and Dash-8-300 aircraft already in service. These new Dash 8-200 aircraft will enable Skytrans to operate the new route between Lord Howe Island and Sydney, helping the airline respond to increasing regional demands and maintain its strong position in the Australian aviation market. Skytrans’ turboprop fleet also supports ACMI operations, offering clients additional flexibility for regional route coverage.

Skytrans is known for its reliable and safe aviation solutions. Both Airbus A319 aircraft will provide ACMI and charter operations in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting the strategy behind Avia Solutions Group’s acquisition of Skytrans a year ago, in March 2024. As an Australian Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder, the company solidifies the group’s market position and addresses the challenges of seasonality.

About Skytrans

Skytrans is an Australian-based passenger airline providing RPT (Regular Passenger Transport), charter, and ACMI services with a fleet of 11 regional aircraft. The company is 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.