Avion Express has expanded further into the South American market after signing a wet-lease agreement with Argentina-based Flybondi for two Airbus A320 aircraft.
The ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) lease agreement with Flybondi marks Lithuania-based Avion Express’ first venture into the Argentinean aviation sphere.
Under the agreement, Avion Express will provide two Airbus A320s based in Buenos Aires, with operations beginning at the end of November 2024 and running until the end of March 2025.
“We are proud and honored to be the first Airbus A320 family ACMI operator in Argentina, partnering with flybondi to enhance their operational capacity during this upcoming summer period in the southern hemisphere,” said Darius Kajokas, CEO of Avion Express. “Our presence in Argentina not only supports flybondi’s ambitious growth plans but also sets an example of ACMI services in this region, showcasing its potential to unlock new opportunities for airlines.”
Avion Express highlighted the seasonal adaptability of the ACMI model, which allows the lessor to maneuver business between Europe and South America during summer peaks when demand is highest.
“ACMI becomes highly effective when markets complement each other’s seasons. In recent years, Avion Express has strategically focused on Latin America. This region more and more recognizes the value and opportunities of ACMI, which has long been established in Europe. To address these needs and offer greater flexibility, we are in the process of obtaining a new air operator certificate (AOC) in Brazil, enabling us to meet the growing demand in this key market and create more opportunities for airlines not only within Brazil but across Latin America as a whole,” Kajiokas added.
On November 15, 2024, Flybondi, said that it is the first airline to implement agreements under the ACMI model in Argentina.
It is also the first time the Flybondi fleet will incorporate an Airbus A320 aircraft with the carrier currently only operating Boeing 737-800 NGs.
“This growth in our fleet allows us to offer a great proposition for the summer season because we are going to increase domestic flights and frequencies on our routes with Brazil. We are also evaluating adding new destinations for the short and medium term. Flybondi’s commitment to Argentina is solid and sustainable: today we are the largest private Argentine airline in the country and we want to promote productive development, job creation and the promotion of tourism,” said Mauricio Sana, CEO of Flybondi.
Avion Express is part of the Avia Solutions Group, which announced on November 14, 2024, the purchase of up to 80 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.