European Union-based carrier SmartLynx Airlines has revealed the latest improvements to its business strategy, which the company made during Q3 of 2021. In order to meet the growing global demand for long-haul cargo operations, the carrier added new aircraft, bringing the total size of its fleet to 35 jets.
According to the latest SmartLynx Airlines statement dated October 12, 2021, during Q3 2021, the airline strengthened its competitiveness in the air cargo market by adding five Airbus A330 Zero LOPA jets, which were modified by removing passenger seats. These jets are dedicated to serving long-haul operations, such as the shipment of vaccines and medical supplies, the airline noted. With the latest jet arrival, the Latvian carrier currently operates a fleet of 35 passenger and cargo aircraft.
The carrier is still in recovery from the downturn caused by COVID-19. However, during July and September 2021, SmartLynx has operated more than 5500 passenger and cargo flights.
“We were delighted to partner with such well-known companies like DHL, Volotea, and Royal Air Maroc and provide them with exceptional passenger and cargo ACMI services,” Zygimantas Surintas, SmartLynx Airlines chief executive officer announced in the statement.
Surintas added: “Recently, we had a chance to prove how great the new aircraft are and have transported a shipment around the world in just 7 days. […] One of our recent clients had us flying from France to Chicago, with loading in Vietnam. The full route took us around the globe: France-Cambodia-Vietnam-South Korea-Alaska (USA)-Chicago (USA). The necessary steps were made for fuelling and crew’s rest.”
During the third quarter of 2021, the carrier also launched operations from two new bases, Saarbrucken Airport (SCN) and Basel Airport (BSL) in Germany, where it operates full-charter flights under a contract with TUI Deutschland.