Avia Solutions Buys Slovakia’s AirExplore

ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) operator Avia Solutions Group has acquired Slovak-based ACMI and charter airline AirExplore.

Headquartered in Bratislava, and established 13 years ago, AirExplore operates ten Boeing 737-800 aircraft, two of them in freighter configuration. The acquisition brings Avia’s total fleet to of 180 aircraft.

Avia chief executive Jonas Janukenas commented: “Slovakia offers a dynamic business environment and having an air operator’s certificate (AOC) here presents a significant advantage, providing vast opportunities for extended geographic reach and new routes.”

AirExplore chief executive, Martin Stulajter, said: “Becoming a part of the leading aviation services group and the world’s largest ACMI provider will not only provide our airline with valuable know-how and access to best industry practices but will also present new business opportunities, strengthening our positions in the market. We anticipate an exciting period for our airline’s growth and development.”

Avia Solutions is the parent company of operators including SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, Bluebird Nordic, KlasJet, Magma Aviation. It holds nine AOCs in Europe and plans to announce another in Indonesia in July, giving it a presence in 68 countries. Services offered also encompass maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), pilot and crew training and ground handling.

Its cargo operators serve about 900 destinations carrying around 600,000 tonnes a year and provide full and part charters along with wet lease service to integrators, charter brokers and other European cargo airlines.

It also has a presence at over 27 airports in Europe through its ground handling companies BGS and Aviator providing cargo handling and other services for over 70 airlines throughout Northern, Central and Eastern Europe.