Irish aircraft leasing and airline services firm Avia Solutions has given Boeing a boost with an order for 80 737 Max aircraft.
The world’s largest ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) provider has split the deal for an undisclosed sum between 40 firm orders and 40 purchase rights.
The order by the Dublin-based company is part of a strategy of investing in bolstering its capacity to meet “continued strong demand” from airlines globally for additional aircraft during peak seasons.
The deliveries will start in 2030. Avia currently operates a fleet of 220 aircraft, including 14 Boeing 737-8s.
Avia has 11 Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), including Avion Express, Smartlynx, Klasjet, Air Explore, BBN, Ascend Airways and Skytrans operating in more than 60 countries for various scheduled airlines and tour operators.
Chairman Gediminas Ziemelis said: “Leisure-focused airlines around the world experience notable seasonal fluctuations in traffic, with peak demand for flights typically occurring in the summer season.
“To effectively meet this need for extra capacity, and increase revenue, airlines require additional aircraft specifically during these peak periods.
“ACMI, or wet leasing, is the optimal solution to address this need without airlines having to take on long-term financial commitments.
“As the world’s largest ACMI provider, carrying over 35 million passengers annually for our clients, we have committed to a strategic approach of expanding our capacity to meet our customers’ seasonal needs, and our first order with Boeing is a key pillar of this.
“This is testament to the fact that Avia Solutions Group is now entering a clear phase of sustained growth.
“These 737 Max will enhance the fleets of our airlines, giving their customers both operational flexibility and greater fuel efficiency.”
Boeing commercial sales and marketing senior vice president Brad McMullen added: “ACMI providers such as Avia Solutions Group offer important, flexible capacity to meet the dynamic demand in our industry and we are honoured Avia has selected Boeing airplanes to help meet that demand from its customers.
“By choosing the 737-8, Avia is aligning with its customers’ plans to operate increasingly fuel-efficient fleets that improve the passenger experience.”