Avion Express, the leading narrowbody ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter operator, has signed a contract with the Latvian national airline airBaltic to wet-lease four 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft for the upcoming 2023 summer season.

This partnership will facilitate airBaltic’s growth to meet the increasing passenger demand and ensure successful scheduled flight operations.

Under the agreement, two of the leased aircraft will operate from the airline’s Riga base between 26 March and 28 October, while one will be stationed in Vilnius and the other in Tallinn from 1 May to 28 October.

“We look forward to working closely with airBaltic and contributing to their operations for the peak summer season. One of our strengths is the diversified ACMI fleet that allows us to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” commented Remigijus Jakučinskas, Head of Commercial at Avion Express.  

Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic, noted that while the aviation industry is gradually stabilising and the demand for air travel is increasing, the sector and airBaltic face new challenges.

“The industry continues to face technical parts supply chain issues, which means we need additional capacity to ensure customer journeys and avoid flight cancellations. Thus, this summer airBaltic is cooperating with Avion Express, whose larger capacity aircraft will help to transport a bigger number of passengers,” said Gauss.

Avion Express has a strong track record of aircraft wet-leasing solutions for airlines around the world. The airline is a family member of Avia Solutions Group, the leading aviation business group and the largest global ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) provider with a fleet of 165 aircraft.