Thai SmartLynx Airlines has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards enhancing its operational capabilities. The company has officially received the Air Operator's License (AOL) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), a pivotal step that paves the way for its future plans. This license is a crucial precursor to the more comprehensive Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), which the airline is targeting to obtain by the beginning of 2025.
With tourism in Thailand back to its pre-pandemic levels, with 40 million visitors expected by the end of 2024 for the first time since 2019 and an additional 5.5 million visitors expected in 2025, the AOL empowers Thai SmartLynx to provide much-needed additional aircraft capacity under Thailand's regulatory framework. With the support of Avia Solutions Group, one of the world's leading aviation service providers, and local partners, Thai SmartLynx progresses towards securing the AOC, an accomplishment that is the result of the airlines determination to advancing Thailand's aviation industry through ACMI solutions.
"Rather than acquiring additional aircraft, which involves significant capital expenditure, Thai SmartLynx offers airlines an alternative through aircraft leasing to ensure financial and operational flexibility during peak seasons and beyond," said Martynas Grigas, Board of Director of Thai SmartLynx. "This approach allows airlines to expand their operations dynamically, without the heavy burden of ownership, and provides them with the agility to adapt to changing market conditions."
Thai SmartLynx's ACMI services offer airlines a flexible and cost-effective alternative to aircraft ownership. By leasing aircraft during peak demand periods or for temporary route expansions, airlines can effectively manage the fluctuating market demands without the financial burden of purchasing additional aircraft. This model also allows airlines considering fleet expansion to utilize Thai SmartLynx's ACMI services as a practical trial before making long-term investments, thereby reducing their financial risk.
Grigas added, "Our priority is to support airlines in achieving their operational goals while minimizing financial risk. We understand the aviation industry's ever-evolving nature, and our ACMI services are designed to offer airlines a solution to stay competitive in such a dynamic environment."
Thai SmartLynx is committed to receiving its AOC by the beginning of 2025, fully enabling its regional aircraft leasing operations.
