Latvian wet-lease provider SmartLynx Airlines and Netherlands-based aircraft-supply specialist APOC have acquired a package of four Airbus A321s for freighter conversion.
The passenger aircraft―MSNs 941, 961, 1185 and 1241―will be converted into freighters and will join the SmartLynx fleet early in 2023, taking the Latvian company to a total of 15 A321Fs by mid-2023.
“We are continuing our growth strategy to be the biggest A321F operator in the world,” Smartlynx Airlines CEO Zygimantas Surintas said May 6.
In summer 2022, SmartLynx will operate around 60 aircraft, made up of A320s, A321s, A321Fs, A330s and Boeing 737-8s.
Meanwhile, the deal will help APOC grow its narrowbody aftermarket presence. “This significant transaction brings our two companies closer together for increased cooperation in the future,” APOC VP airframe acquisition and trading Jasper van den Boogaard said.
APOC is active in aircraft, engine and landing-gear trading, leasing and part-out. The company is actively seeking young vintage A320- and 737-family airframes to boost its parts inventories in Miami, the Netherlands and Singapore.
“The A321 is an interesting asset because it can be converted to a freighter and there is significant activity in this sector of the market right now,” van den Boogaard said. “It can also be used for low-cost/long-haul operations (because of its efficiency and range) and it is attractive for part out. The flexibility to utilize any one of these three options made this an exceptional opportunity for the business.”
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