SmartLynx Airlines (6Y, Riga) has taken delivery of its first A321-200(P2F), becoming the second SmartLynx AOC to employ the type.
YL-LDP (msn 1241), a 23-year-old jet owned by Aero Capital Solutions and formerly run in passenger configuration by Finnair (AY, Helsinki Vantaa), was redelivered from Guangzhou via Kolkata and Burgas to Kaunas International on March 30-April 1, 2023. It then underwent maintenance at Kaunas and Riga airport, before being re-inducted into the carrier's fleet in mid-May 2023. It was ferried from Riga to Leipzig/Halle on May 19, 2023, but has yet to begin commercial operations, ADS-B data shows.
"As we reintroduce the A321-200 freighter to the world, we are confident that it is poised to lead the future of cargo operations. To start, its exceptional fuel efficiency makes it the most sustainable choice in the cargo market today. Direct operational costs for A321F are up to 30% lower compared to the classic B757-200 and B737 freighters, making it the most cost-effective option for our clients. In addition, due to the popularity of the A320 family, we are committed to providing efficient and fast maintenance for our fleet," CEO Zygimantas Surintas said.
Sister carrier SmartLynx Airlines Malta (2N, Malta International) already operates two A321-200(P2F)s and four A321-200(PCF)s, the ch-aviation fleets module shows, with plans to operate at least 13 converted freighters by the end of 2023 and lease another four in 2024.
The ACMI/charter specialists passenger fleet comprises twenty-nine A320-200s, eight A321-200s, six A330-300s, and four B737-8s across its AOCs in Latvia, Estonia, and Malta.
