SmartLynx Airlines Gains U.S. Foreign Air Transport Certificate Approval

SmartLynx Airlines, a renowned ACMI, cargo, and charter operator, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification enables SmartLynx, operating under a Latvian Air Operator Certificate (AOC), to conduct flights to, from, and within the United States, aligning its operations with stringent U.S. aviation standards.

The FAOC recognition allows SmartLynx to support airlines with cross-continental full charter and ACMI flights, expanding its reach in the world’s largest and highly regulated aviation market. Edvinas Demenius, CEO of SmartLynx, emphasized the importance of this achievement, noting that “access to the U.S. market brings substantial value and flexibility to our services.”

SmartLynx’s entry into the U.S. market follows a favorable 2023 FAA audit of Latvia’s Civil Aviation Agency, which confirmed Latvia’s Category 1 status. This designation permits Latvian-registered carriers, including SmartLynx, to operate U.S. commercial flights, complementing existing routes under SmartLynx’s Maltese AOC.

With a resurgence in travel demand, SmartLynx has seen record passenger numbers, transporting 7.21 million travelers from January to September 2024—a 52% increase over last year. The FAA certification bolsters SmartLynx’s capacity to meet growing transatlantic demand, solidifying its role as a key player in global aviation.

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