Summary
- AirExplore expands into the United States market under Avia Solutions Group ownership.
- Approval allows AirExplore to operate scheduled and charter flights to and from the US.
- Fleet expansion with three Boeing 737-800 freighters announced by the airline.
Slovakian airline AirExplore has received approval from the Department of Transport (DOT) to begin operations in the United States. This news comes more than a year after Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI operator, acquired the Slovak airline.
Growing its presence across the Atlantic
The US DOT’s approval under the conditional Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) provision will enable the Avia Solutions Group-owned airline to expand its operations across the Atlantic.
Photo: AirExplore
This is not the first time the airline has sought US DOT approval. After being acquired by Avia Solutions Group, AirExplore reapplied for its FACP earlier this year. The FACP will permit the airline to operate scheduled and charter flights for passengers, cargo, and mail to, from, and within US territory using wet-leased aircraft operated by carriers certified under FAA Part 129.
Commenting on the regulatory approval, chief executive officer at AirExplore, Martin Stulajter, said:
“This is a fantastic moment for AirExplore to obtain the approval as the airline grows its international presence. This approval reflects the benefits of being backed by the Avia Solutions Group.”
Expanding its fleet
In addition to receiving approval to begin operations in the US, the airline recently announced the addition of three Boeing 737-800 freighters to its fleet. This expansion brings the total number of aircraft to 17, with nine dedicated to passenger services and eight to cargo operations. The airline’s fleet is composed of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Founded in 2010, AirExplore has grown to become Slovakia’s largest wet leasing airline. It operates on a charter and ACMI basis with a diverse range of clients. Its aircraft are wet-leased to various airlines, including Condor, Norwegian, Aegean Airlines, Air Peace, and even Ryanair.
Photo: Avia Solutions Group
In 2023, the airline was acquired by Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest
acmi
provider. Following the acquisition, AirExplore’s fleet increased by seven aircraft, mostly freighters. Commenting on the acquisition, Jonas Janukenas, the chief executive officer of Avia Solutions Group, said at the time:
“Slovakia offers a dynamic business environment, and having an AOC here presents a significant advantage, providing vast opportunities for extended geographic reach and new routes.”
Avia Solutions Group also owns several other carriers, including
Smartlynx Airlines
,
Avion Express
, Bluebird Nordic, KlasJet, BBN Indonesia Airlines, and Magma Aviation. In addition to FACP, the group holds nine Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs) in Europe and one in Indonesia. According to its official website, the ACMI group currently operates a fleet of 214 aircraft.
The group also offers a plethora of other services, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of associated services.