newstodate.aero

Jun 11, 2021 (newstodate): The Lithuanian ACMI provider SmartLynx has placed its first Airbus A321F converted freighter with its Maltese subsidiary.
   This is the first aircraft of its type to be registered in Malta, and also the first of its type to enter the SmartLynx fleet of A320 and A321 aircraft.
   The new aircraft will be based at Leipzig Airport to operate on the contract with DHL Express.
   The contract with DHL Express actually comprises two A321F aircraft, with a second delivery still pending.
    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.
    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.