SmartLynx leases six converted Airbus A330-300P2Fs

SmartLynx Airlines has signed an agreement with Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) to be one of the first customers to take delivery of six Airbus A330-300P2F converted cargo freighters under the terms of a six-year lease.

The first of the widebody A330-300P2Fs is due to join the fleet of the European ACMI charter and cargo company in 2023.

Features include a hydraulically operated main deck cargo door with a 141” clear width & 101” clear height; reinforced floor grid & new freighter floor panels; and a cargo loading system.

The aircraft has a maximum structural payload of up to 61 tons, and a range of up 6,660 km (3,600 nm).

Zygimantas Surintas, chief executive officer of Avia Solutions Group subsidiary SmartLynx Airlines, said: “The introduction of the A330-300 is a logical step and one which creates relevant synergies with the rest of our fleet – A330 Pax and A321F units – and as an aircraft which will see increased popularity in a post-Covid environment. For us, the move comes as part of our fleet modernisation strategy providing greater capacity and efficiency and is another step towards SmartLynx Airlines becoming a leading global player in the air cargo marketplace.”

Mike Berger, chief commercial officer at ATSG, said: “We welcome SmartLynx Airlines as the first customer for our A330 lease deployments. We intend to continue expanding our lease options for e-commerce and express shipping customers around the world while providing a suite of complementary service options, including engine and airframe maintenance support, flight services, and logistics.”

Last month, conversion firm EFW won orders for six Airbus A321 passenger-to-freighters (P2F) from SmartLynx Airlines.

SmartLynx Airlines specialises in full-service ACMI aircraft lease services and is an established ACMI, cargo and charter provider in the EU on Airbus A320, A321 and A330 aircraft.

The airline is headquartered in Riga, Latvia and has two subsidiaries in Estonia and Malta. SmartLynx Airlines, ATSG & aircargonews.net