Lithuania’s ACMI Operator Avion Express Targets Mexican AOC by 2027

Avion Express, a Lithuania-based ACMI operator, plans to secure a Mexican air operator’s certificate (AOC) within the next 24 months as part of its strategic expansion in the Americas. The announcement follows the early 2025 launch of its Brazilian subsidiary, Avion Express Brasil.

CEO Darius Kajokas emphasized the airline’s focus on countercyclical markets to balance seasonal demand fluctuations. “As an ACMI operator, we support airlines by adding capacity where and when it’s most needed. After establishing a strong base in Europe, our growth strategy focuses on international diversification,” Kajokas said.

Avion Express Malta is already active in Mexico, currently wet-leasing sixteen A320-200s to ultra-low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus. The company now aims to formalize its long-term presence in the region with a local entity. Recruiting a chief executive officer for the Mexican operation is the first step in the certification process.

The combined Avion Express fleet includes 57 aircraft: one A319-100, fifteen A320-200s, and one A321-200 under the Lithuanian AOC; thirty-eight A320-200s and one A321-200 under the Maltese AOC; and one A320-200 under its Brazilian AOC. Avion Express Philippines is also in development, with operations expected to launch by mid-2025.

Avion Express is part of Avia Solutions Group, which owns or partners with several airlines globally, including SmartLynx Airlines, KlasJet, AirExplore, BBN Airlines, and Skytrans. The group is also pursuing certifications for Thai SmartLynx Airlines, Ascend Airways Malaysia, and others as it continues to grow its ACMI service footprint worldwide.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com