Avia Solutions Group has successfully concluded the acquisition of Australian airline Skytrans. Specialising in regular public transport (RPT) and charter operations, Skytrans boasts a fleet of 13 regional aircraft.
The strategic acquisition secures an Australian Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for Avia Solutions Group, opening avenues for both passenger and cargo flight operations. This move positions the group to tap into the flourishing domestic aviation market in Australia, projected to surpass pre-COVID levels in 2024, as indicated by the Australian Aviation Network review of 2023.
Aligning with the group’s growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, this expansion enables Avia Solutions Group to leverage counter-seasonal shifts of aircraft, mitigating reduced seasonal demand in Europe. With the addition of Skytrans, the group now holds a total of 12 air operator certificates.
Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group, emphasised the significance of this acquisition within the broader strategy to mitigate seasonality impact and access emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and beyond. The group aims to establish or acquire seven more airlines by the year-end, with a focus on countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Gytis Gumuliauskas, the newly appointed Managing Director of Skytrans, outlines the company’s strategic focus on expanding ACMI and wet-lease operations. While continuing current passenger operations, the company plans substantial development in cargo transportation from 2024 onwards, with fleet expansion involving A319 aircraft for passengers and A321Fs for cargo.
Avia Solutions Group, headquartered in Ireland, serves as the parent company to global entities including SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, AirExplore, KlasJet, Magma Aviation and more. The group also houses FL Technics, an MRO services provider with a worldwide presence and BAA Training, the pilot training organisation with schools in Spain, France, Lithuania and Vietnam.
