Smartlynx Airlines to become the dominant A321F operator in Europe

SmartLynx Airlines, an European ACMI and full-charter provider is on its way to becoming the dominant A321-200 P2F operator in Europe. Currently operating six A321F aircraft, the company plans to increase its fleet to 13 by the end of this year to obtain at least four more A321F units by the end of 2024. With this expansion plan, SmartLynx Airlines is well-placed to take the lead in the narrow-body express freight market.

SmartLynx Airlines Cargo Operations Manager Dmitrijs Voroncovs believes the A321-200F is the ultimate solution for frequent domestic and regional operations. ” This is the first ever narrow-body freighter to feature containerized both main and lower cargo decks, which allow for automated loading and unloading to achieve exceptional turnaround times,” he claims. 

With a maximum payload of 27,000 kg and a range of up to 2300 nautical miles, the A321F is perfectly suited for operations in established express cargo markets.  The A321F has a payload capacity of 27 metric tons and a maximum volume of up to 208 m2. It can be loaded with up to 14 full container positions (88’’ x 125’’) on the main deck and up to 10 (LD3-45W) on the lower deck, providing space for various types of cargo. The aircraft has a hydraulically driven, electrically barred main deck cargo door that is 3.65 meters wide and 2.13 meters high and a cargo compartment that is 3.7 meters wide and 34.44 meters long.”

The CEO of SmartLynx Airlines, Zygimantas Surintas, said, “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 comparing to the classic B757-200 and 737, making it the most cost-effective option for our clients. In addition, due to the popularity of A320 family, we are committed to providing efficient and fast maintenance for our fleet. Thanks to our partnership with Lufthansa Technik, we have convenient access to high-quality spare parts, ensuring the reliability and safety of our aircraft.”

With only a handful of A321-200 freighters currently in the skies, SmartLynx Airlines is uniquely positioned to lead the industry with its ambitious growth plans. The company’s confidence in the A321-200F and commitment to superior customer service make it an attractive partner for companies looking for efficient and cost-effective cargo solutions

SmartLynx Airlines has reached another milestone by reintroducing the A321-200 P2P aircraft. The A321 freighter, registered as YL-LDP and freshly converted by Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), has landed at Riga Airport for the first time, marking the first-ever registration of this aircraft type under a Latvian AOC.