ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire Australian airline, Skytrans.

The acquisition will grant Avia Solutions Group an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Australia, allowing it to operate both passenger and cargo flights.

Avia Solutions Group says the acquisition is a significant step in its strategic expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.

Jonas Janukenas, chief executive of Avia Solutions Group, said: “One of the main strategic objectives of the group is to expand into markets that have the opposite seasonality to Europe.

“Australia is a new addition to our group’s global footprint, where we see significant potential and growth opportunities, enabling us to offer ACMI services.”

The group currently holds 11 AOCs globally, and it aims to establish and acquire seven additional airlines in various countries by the end of 2024, including Brazil, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, and Turkey.

Alan Milne, chief executive of Skytrans, said: “Becoming a part of the group will give us the chance to benefit from the best business practices and experience, as well as expanding our operations, fleet, and geographic reach, while strengthening our position in the market.”

The acquisition process is expected to be complete by March 2024, subject to the fulfillment of specific transaction conditions.

Avia Solutions Group is the parent company to many airlines, including SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, AirExplore, KlasJet, Magma Aviation, and more.

The group also comprises a leading global provider of MRO services, FL Technics, with 100 line maintenance stations worldwide and maintenance hangars in Lithuania, Indonesia, and the UK.

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