Lithuanian ACMI and aircraft lessor Avion Express has officially commenced the process to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Brazil, supporting the company’s strategy of expanding its global presence in Latin America, Southeast Asia and beyond.
While noting that Avion Express has “firmly established itself in Europe,” CEO Darjus Kajokas highlighted that “ACMI would be rather novel concept for the Brazilian market,” adding that Avion Express’ services would “create additional tools for local Brazilian airlines and tour operators to reach higher operational efficiencies throughout the year … replicating successful similar structures in place in Europe and other regions”.
Describing expansion into Brazil as “the next natural step,” Kajokas added that Avion Express’ vision is “also aligned to the initiatives launched by the Brazilian government through ANAC… which facilitate and speed up the certification process, based on [Avion’s] current AOCs in Europe and global experience”.
The airline aims to commence operations in Brazil by Q4 2024, starting with five to 10 aircraft and expanding to 25 by 2027/2028. Initial operations will utilize aircraft currently kept on European AOCs, benefitting from what Kajokas terms “the reverse seasonality of the markets”. Avion Express’ expansion is supported by its parent company, Avia Solutions Group, with a fleet of 199 aircraft currently in operation worldwide.