27 April 2023: 2022 was an amazing ACMI year for Smart Aviation and 2023 is showing no signs of the demand slowing down. Smart is handling pressing requests for ACMI leasing for this summer but the industry is facing a depleting availability of aircrafts. 

The rapid increase in ACMI requirements is due to a number of reasons; the phasing out of older aircrafts, tech aircraft needing essential maintenance, lack of crew, and large gaps needed to be filled in airline operations. Boeing and Airbus are still facing delays of aircraft deliveries because of the knock on effect from the pandemic, including lack of parts and fully trained staff. 

Whilst the lack of availability is driving prices up, Smart has continued to source cost-effective and appropriate aircrafts for long term leasing. The team has already confirmed a number of long term leases for this upcoming summer season; our clients know where to go for the Smart solution!

Smart Aviation’s Head of ACMI, Daniel Parker, said: “Last year was such a phenomenal ACMI year for Smart and this side of the business is continuing to grow rapidly. Despite some of the challenges the aviation industry is facing with ACMI, our team continues to flourish in finding affordable and suitable solutions to suit all of our clients’ requirements. Our ACMI team has also expanded with the recruitment of Jamie Milsom, who is working on important ACMI projects across Africa and the Middle East”.

Completion of six month lease for long-standing client:

The six month lease of a brand new A330-900 NEO jet came to an end last week. The versatile A330-900 NEO aircraft, operated by our partner Iberojet, is highly efficient for distances up to 7,200nm and boasts enhancements such as the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and multiple aerodynamic improvements such as new composite winglet devices that enables the wingspan to be extended by four metres, to reduce drag and increase lift. With efficiency at the core, the A330-900 reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 25% compared to previous generation aircraft. 

Smart Supplier becomes Smart Client:

A smart supplier, a Scandinavian Airline that we have enjoyed a long term relationship with, has now become the client after they asked us to source an aircraft for them to charter for the summer season. Based in Northern Europe, an A320 has been leased for operations across the Canary Islands. 

Leading UK tour operator calls on Smart:

The Smart team has been on hand to help one of the UK’s leading tour operators, who operate over 150 aircrafts, to assist them in providing short term ACMI solutions as their fleet goes through maintenance. With over six million passengers travelling with the company every year, there’s a lot riding on their aircraft operations out of Gatwick and they rely on Smart to ensure there’s always a suitable aircraft available to avoid causing any disruption to the holidaymakers.  

Smart becomes pivotal in airline new route expansion:

The Smart ACMI team is noticing a huge increase in the number of airlines that are keen to work with Smart suppliers on ‘test bed’ projects. As the travel industry as a whole continues to navigate its way in the post-pandemic travel sphere, established airlines are looking to expand their routes and are using ACMI leases to test demand. 

About Smart:

Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by Managing Director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with over 30 years’ experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry. Previously Hawkins managed sports charters at Excel Airways, which included flying over 4,000 fans to a football final. Over the last 17 years, Smart Aviation has arranged successful charters for leading sport fixtures, transported thousands of passengers on their annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, and flown VIPS on exclusive private jet charters on a weekly basis around the world. 

For all ACMI enquiries 24 hours a day, please contact Daniel.Parker@Smart-Aviation.co.uk and ACMI@smart-aviation.co.uk 

Why choose Smart?

Our business revolves around you

– Exactly what you need

– You’re dealing with the experts. Our goal is excellence in service and execution – our extensive knowledge and expertise ensure we deliver.

Cost effective with no compromise

– Our unrivalled operator relationships and leverage in the European market ensures you get the most cost-effective solution, without compromising on quality.

We are always available

– Our operational support team is on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year, to deal with the unexpected and keep you flying – for total peace of mind.

Call or email us today – ACMI@smart-aviation.co.uk or sales@smart-aviation.co.uk / + 44 1293 551244