The global ACMI, charter, and cargo operator SmartLynx Airlines has received the Australian Foreign Air Transport Operator Certificate (FATAOC) granted by the Australian Civil Aviation Authority. The certification allows the airline to begin operations to, from, and within Australia.

Operating flights to Australia has been integral to SmartLynx's strategic plans to expand its global network by entering new markets. This certificate authorizes starting operation in Australia of Airbus A330-type aircraft and the company plans to receive certification also for other aircraft types A320, A321, and B737.

Zygimantas Surintas, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines: "We are proud to start operations on the Australian continent. This step is proof of our commitment to becoming the world's leading and trustworthy ACMI airline. The foreign air operator certification in Australia strengthens our competitive advantage to offer wet-lease services to international airlines and tour operators which already operate or plan cross-continental flights to and from this destination.”

To receive FATAOC, SmartLynx has fulfilled all operational requirements and submitted the necessary certificates of airworthiness and maintenance schedules for Airbus A330-type to be operated in Australia.

Latvian-based SmartLynx Airlines is the largest ACMI service provider in Europe, owning one-third of the market. Today the airline also operates in the USA, North America, Asia, and Africa. The company holds Air Operator Certificates (AOC) in Latvia, Estonia, and Malta.

The current fleet size consists of 55 aircraft and by end of 2023 is set to increase to 65 aircraft, including Airbus A320 (29), A330-300 (6), A321 (8), Airbus A321F (13), and Boeing 737 MAX (9) aircraft.