SmartLynx Airlines Makes First Stop at Navoi Airport

SmartLynx Airlines, a prominent European ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) operator, marked its first visit to Navoi International Airport (NVI) in Uzbekistan on September 17, 2024. The visit was made by one of the airline’s Airbus A321P2F freighter aircraft, part of its expanding cargo operations. As a member of the global Avia Solutions Group, SmartLynx’s arrival at Navoi Airport symbolizes the growing significance of this strategic hub in Central Asia.

Navoi International Airport, located in the mountainous Navoi region, is one of Uzbekistan’s key international airports. Serving as a vital connection between Uzbekistan and the rest of the world, the airport is a crucial hub for both passenger and cargo flights. Its strategic location allows it to facilitate trade and transit across the region, making it a valuable gateway for global airlines.

SmartLynx’s visit to Navoi Airport was a planned technical stop during a cargo flight routing from Dhaka Airport (DAC) in Bangladesh to Lodz Airport (LCJ) in Poland, with an additional stop in Varna, Bulgaria. As part of the stopover, the aircraft underwent refueling, and the crew was changed to comply with international aircrew duty hours regulations.

Upon landing, the SmartLynx A321F was welcomed with a traditional water salute, a gesture often used to commemorate special occasions in aviation. The crew was warmly greeted by airport management, who also organized a performance by a local traditional band, adding a festive and cultural touch to the occasion.

Captain Carlos Marcelo Cardenas Becerra, who commanded the flight, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, noting the significance of flying through the challenging mountainous region of the Hindu Kush. “It was an unexpected and warm reception by the airport authorities,” said Captain Becerra. “The first flight through the mountainous area of the Hindu Kush was impressive. It was an honor and a privilege to command the first flight over such a rugged and challenging region.”

He added, “Despite the partly cloudy weather, the breathtaking closeness of the mountains was clearly visible. The extensive planning and preparation for this route allowed our crew to fly with the tranquility and confidence required in these challenging environments.”

SmartLynx Cargo plans to make several more stopovers at Navoi Airport as part of its ongoing series of cargo flights between Dakar and Lodz. The airline operates three Airbus A321 freighters, which are utilized under wet-lease agreements with other airline operators and freight forwarding companies.

SmartLynx Airlines is part of the larger Avia Solutions Group (ASG), which owns multiple airlines, including Avion Express, Ascend Airways, AirExplore, KlasJet, and Magma Aviation, among others. ASG holds nine Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs) across Europe, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia, with a fleet of 214 aircraft.

Beyond airline operations, Avia Solutions Group offers a range of aviation services, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), crew recruitment and training, and ground handling, solidifying its presence as a global leader in the aviation industry. The historic stop at Navoi marks another milestone in SmartLynx’s growing cargo operations.