AirExplore, Slovakia's largest airline, has signed a long-term strategic agreement with FL Technics Wheels & Brakes to maintain landing gear components for part of its fleet. The airline has seen rapid growth, expanding from nine to 16 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2024, and required a maintenance partner capable of supporting its increasing operational demands. Both companies are part of Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest provider of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) services.
The partnership will utilise FL Technics' extensive European network of four specialist Wheels and Brakes facilities located in Vilnius, Budapest, Hanover and Bergamo. This wide coverage allows for reduced turnaround times and timely support, which are critical for AirExplore's operational reliability.
AirExplore CEO Martin Stulajter pointed out that the new power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreement offers a risk-sharing model designed to deliver reliable service at a lower cost than the airline's previous provider. He stressed that reliability is of utmost importance for AirExplore, which operates on an ACMI basis and has all of its passenger fleet already leased out for the 2025 summer season.
The airline's recent growth across both passenger and cargo operations further necessitated an MRO partner that could meet its operational requirements and efficiency targets. Both companies noted that the agreement aligns with their commitment to sustainability. By leveraging facilities strategically located across Europe, transportation distances are reduced, helping to lower emissions and costs associated with component maintenance, while supporting AirExplore's ambitious expansion strategy.
