newstodate.aero

Feb 25, 2021 (newstodate): The Lithuanian ACMI provider SmartLynx's Maltese subsidiary has inked a key contract with DHL Express comprising two Airbus A321 cargo aircraft.
   The two freighter aircraft will join DHL Express' European freighter fleet as part of DHL Express' efforts to modernize  the fleet with efficient and reliable cargo aircraft following on the experience with the earlier introduction of the Airbus A330-200 converted freighter aircraft.  
    SmartLynx Malta obtained its Maltese AOC on April 19, 2019, and landed its Canadian Foreign Air Operator Certificate in October, allowing it to expand into the North American markets with charter and ACMI services.
   In October 2020, SmartLynx Malta entered the cargo ACMI market by contracting Vallair to deliver two Airbus  A321-200 converted freighter aircraft on a lease contract, becoming the first operator to have A321-200F aircraft converted by both 321 Precision Conversions and Elbe Flugzeugwerke.
     The airline is now negotiating further aircraft deliveries, planning to add another two converted Airbus A321F during 2021 and up to four units during 2022, with a business target of becoming one of the largest narrow-body cargo freight carriers within the next three years.