SmartLynx Airlines (6Y, Riga) has ordered another six A321-200(P2F)s from Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) as part of plans to expand its operations on behalf of DHL Express.

"We are delighted to work with EFW towards our goal of becoming the largest operator of A321 cargo freighters, as we are convinced that this type of aircraft will become the top choice for customers globally," Chief Executive Zygimantas Surintas said.

The six aircraft will undergo conversion with ST Engineering at its Singapore Seletar and Guangzhou sites in 2022 and 2023. EFW is a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering.

SmartLynx Airlines confirmed to ch-aviation that all six newly ordered A321-200(P2F)s would be placed on the AOC of SmartLynx Airlines Malta. The carrier also clarified that it would not confirm at this stage if the six aircraft would operate for DHL Express, even though EFW's press statement suggested that.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that currently, both of SmartLynx's dedicated freighters - one A321-200(P2F) and one A321-200(PCF) - are operated by the Maltese unit which also operates six A330-300 preighters.

Three of SmartLynx Airlines' A321-200s were ferried to Guangzhou for conversion in late 2021 under an earlier deal with EFW. A fourth, covered by the earlier agreement, remains parked at San Antonio International but will enter conversion later this year. The newly ordered six units are incremental.

Both SmartLynx A321 freighters operate on behalf of DHL's EAT Leipzig on services connecting the integrator's hub at Leipzig/Halle with Linz Blue Danube and Brescia.