APOC Aviation and SmartLynx Airlines have worked together to purchase a package of four Airbus A321 airframes. The frames, MSNs 941, 961, 1185 and 1241, were acquired in passenger configuration and will be converted into freighters which will join the SmartLynx fleet early next year.
Jasper van den Boogaard, VP Airframe Acquisition & Trading at APOC, who is an ISTAT Certified Appraiser, observes the fluctuations in aircraft asset valuations closely. He said: “The A321 is an interesting asset because it can be converted to a freighter and there is significant activity in this sector of the market right now. It can also be used for low-cost/long-haul operations (because of its efficiency and range) and it is attractive for part out. The flexibility to utilise any one of these three options made this an exceptional opportunity for the business.”
Zygimantas Surintas, Smartlynx Airlines CEO, also emphasised that efficient partnerships like this are crucial for successful carrier involvement in the A321 conversion programme.
The four additional cargo aircraft will bring the airline’s A321F fleet up to fifteen active aircraft of the type by mid-2023.
