Wet-lease airline AirExplore receives regulatory approval to operate in the US

AirExplore, the European-based wet-lease specialist operator, has been granted regulatory approval by the US Department of Transportation (DoT) to operate commercial flights from and to, as well as within, the United States.

Slovakia-registered Air Explore is owned by the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) company, Dublin-based Avia Solutions Group (ASG). Under the terms of the approval, Air Explore will now be permitted to operate scheduled and charter flights carrying passengers, mail, and cargo from and to US airports using wet-leased aircraft operated by operators certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 129.

Such aircraft must also meet standards set by the FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment Program (IASA).

The approval for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) was granted to AirExplore after the carrier reapplied for the Part 129 license following its acquisition by ASG in 2023. The FACP stipulates that AirExplore will have full authority of an air carrier after Slovakia obtains its IASA certification, followed by the processing of FAA Part 129 Operations Specification for AirExplore itself.

Markus Mainka / Shutterstock“This is a fantastic moment for AirExplore to obtain the approval as the airline grows its international presence,” said Martin Stulajter, Chief Executive Officer of AirExplore. “This approval reflects the benefits of being backed by the Avia Solutions Group.”

AirExplore’s expansion into the US market for the first time aligns with ASG.s vision to “strengthen its global presence and offer versatile aviation solutions to meet the growing demands of the industry”. Founded in 2010, AirExplore has quickly expanded, becoming Slovakia’s largest ACMI carrier, and was acquired by ASG in June 2023.

Avia Solutions Group“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,” said ASG’s CEO Jonas Janukenas at the time of the takeover.  

“Becoming a part of the leading aviation services group and the world’s largest ACMI provider will not only provide our airline with valuable know-how and access to best industry practices but will also present new business opportunities, strengthening our positions in the market. We anticipate an exciting period for our airline’s growth and development,” responded AirExplore’s Stulajter.

More about AirExplore and ASG

AirExplore currently operates a fleet of 17 Boeing 737-800 aircraft which includes three 737-800 freighters that were recently acquired. The breakdown of the fleet comprises nine 737-800s dedicated to passenger services while the remaining eight are operated on cargo-only operations.

According to ch-aviation, AirExplore aircraft are currently flying on behalf of other airlines including Jet2, Pegasus Airlines, Enter Air, and TUI Airways, with four aircraft heading to Air Peace in Nigeria toward the end of 2024.  

Avia Solutions GroupAirExplore’s expansion is part of the broader strategy of ASG which owns several other airlines, including SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, Ascend Airways, KlasJet, BBN Indonesia Airlines, Skytrans, and Magma Aviation. In total, ASG holds nine Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs) in Europe, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia. The Group operates a fleet of 214 aircraft.

Beyond airline operations, ASG also offers a wide range of aviation services, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), pilot and crew recruitment and training, ground handling, and other associated services.

Avia Solutions Group reports €1.2bn in revenue for first half of 2024

Aviation Economics & FinancebyAvia Solutions GroupAugust 21, 2024

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