Australian passenger airline Skytrans, part of the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider Avia Solutions Group, will now be known as SmartLynx Australia. Earlier this year, the company expanded its fleet with new aircraft types – Dash 8-200 and Airbus A319 aircraft, making the airline ready to expand existing operations and introduce ACMI services. Both developments mark a new phase in the company’s integration into the Avia Solutions Group’s growth strategy for the Asia-Pacific region.
With this rebranding, the company will benefit from a new visual identity coherent with that of EU-based SmartLynx Airlines and Thailand-based Thai SmartLynx, which are both parts of Avia Solutions Group. According to Gytis Gumuliauskas, Managing Director and CEO of SmartLynx Australia, the move also provides deeper integration with the group, allowing for seamless access to resources and expertise:
“The new brand marks a new stage for the business – one that bridges the quality transportation services Skytrans was known for locally and the new line of business – ACMI – that Avia Solutions Group has perfected.”
According to Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group, SmartLynx Australia plays an important role in the group’s plans in the region:
“Our global expansion strategy is built around geographic diversification. By establishing operations across different continents and time zones, we create a natural hedge against seasonal fluctuations that affect individual markets. SmartLynx Australia represents a key piece of this puzzle, offering us the opportunity to both optimise our fleet use and serve the growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Skytrans’ rebranding will not affect its existing services, and all client commitments remain valid. The company will continue to provide scheduled air transport and charter services, however, its strategic focus will be on establishing itself as an ACMI provider of both turboprop and narrow-body jet engine aircraft. This is in line with the group’s overall goal of becoming a leader in the Asia-Pacific ACMI market.
Taking into account its growing operational needs and long-term expansion goals, SmartLynx Australia is actively increasing the number of aircraft it operates. With the new aircraft, SmartLynx Australia will have a fleet of 13 aircraft. “Our fleet size fluctuates throughout the year based on seasonal demand and operational requirements. However, we plan to expand our total fleet by the end of 2025 to provide greater operational flexibility and enhanced solutions for our clients. In the long term, we are oriented toward ambitious growth, which includes increasing the number of aircraft, expanding the team, and adding new markets and business directions,” explains Gytis Gumuliauskas.
Avia Solutions Group acquired Skytrans in March 2024. As an Australian Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder, the company has helped to solidify the group’s market position and address the challenges of seasonality by providing valuable leverage to counterbalance the reduced seasonal demand in Europe. The obtained AOC has brought the total number of air operator certificates held by the group to 12.
