Australian-based passenger airline SmartLynx Australia, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group and the group’s first ACMI provider in Australia, has strengthened its fleet with the addition of a second Airbus A319 aircraft.
The introduction of a second Airbus A319 is an important part of Skytrans’ broader development plan to expand ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations and reinforce its position in the Australian market as a reliable and flexible aircraft partner. SmartLynx Australia, now has two narrow-body Airbus A319s dedicated to ACMI aircraft lease and charter operations, which enable regional carriers to operate more flights and open new routes with the support of additional aircraft. The pair of A319s will also be on standby to replace aircraft that need maintenance without affecting scheduled flights.
The new A319 aircraft is available for immediate ACMI leasing deployment and charter services in Perth, offering a dependable solution for carriers facing seasonal demand spikes, maintenance downtime, disruption coverage, or short-term capacity gaps. Fully supported by experienced crew, certified maintenance, and global insurance coverage, the second Airbus A319 ensures smooth integration into any airline operation. With the growing demand for passenger flights in Australia, airlines are forced to find flexible solutions to meet passengers’ expectations. The ACMI model enables carriers to quickly scale their capacity during peak travel seasons, helping them navigate market fluctuations and boost profitability by 2–3% annually.
Gytis Gumuliauskas, Managing Director and CEO at SmartLynx Australia, said: “Adding the second Airbus A319 is more than a fleet expansion. It will upgrade our operational capabilities, increasing our capacity and flexibility. This step strengthens our ACMI aviation services, enabling us to adapt to our client’s operational needs and offer more agile, cost-effective solutions.”
According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) report, the total domestic air passenger travel market in Australia is projected to grow by approximately 2.6% per year and the total domestic passenger numbers through Australian airports are expected to grow by around 2.2% annually, surpassing 237 million passengers by 2050.
To meet this growing market demand and to strengthen the airline’s market position, SmartLynx Australia has been strategically expanding its fleet capabilities throughout 2025. In February, the airline introduced its first new Airbus A319 model to the fleet, marking a significant step forward in its ACMI capabilities. In April, SmartLynx Australia further expanded its fleet with the addition of Dash 8-200 aircraft type, which complement the existing Dash-8-100 and Dash-8-300 aircraft already in service. These new Dash 8-200 aircraft will enable SmartLynx Australia to operate a new route between Lord Howe Island and Sydney, enabling the airline to respond to increasing regional demands and maintain its strong position in the Australian aviation market. SmartLynx Australia’ turboprop fleet also supports ACMI operations, offering clients additional flexibility for regional route coverage.
SmartLynx Australia is known for its reliable and safe aviation solutions. Both Airbus A319 aircraft will provide ACMI and charter operations in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting the strategy behind Avia Solutions Group’s acquisition of SmartLynx Australia a year ago, in March 2024. As an Australian Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder, the company solidifies the group’s market position and addresses the challenges of seasonality.