Airbus Updates No.3808

 

Malaysia's Raya Airways to add first A321-200(PCF)s

Raya Airways fleet© Raya Airways

15.03.2022 - 03:57 UTC

Raya Airways (TH, Kuala Lumpur Subang) is planning to add at least three A321-200(PCF) converted freighters, with the first two due for delivery in 2022, lessor Air Transport Services Group told Cargo Facts.

The first of the trio will be N982CM (msn 1972), an 18.9-year-old aircraft formerly operated by Thomas Cook Airlines UK. It has already been inducted into conversion by PEMCO at Tampa Int'l. The aircraft is owned by ATSG's in-house lessor arm, Cargo Aircraft Management. The second aircraft, expected to convert later this year, will be N983CM (msn 1887).

Raya Airways currently operates one B737-400(SF), one B767-200(BDSF), and two B767-200(SF)s. All three B767s are on lease from Cargo Aircraft Management, while the B737 is owned by Vallair, the ch-aviation fleets ownership module shows. The Malaysian cargo specialist retired its last B757-200(PCF) last year, but announced growth plans in early 2022.

The lessor said it saw potential for more A321s placements with Raya Airways.

Airbus Updates No.3803

 

Latvia's SmartLynx to add six A330-300P2Fs

SmartLynx Malta A330-300© SmartLynx

11.03.2022 - 09:24 UTC

SmartLynx Airlines (6Y, Riga) says it will lease six A330-300(P2F)s from Air Transport Services Group on six-year contracts with the first due to complete P2F conversion and deliver in 2023.

“The introduction of the A330-300 is a logical step and one which creates relevant synergies with the rest of our fleet – A330 Pax and A321F units – and as an aircraft which will see increased popularity in a post-Covid environment," Zygimantas Surintas, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines, said. "For us, the move comes as part of our fleet modernisation strategy providing greater capacity and efficiency and is another step towards SmartLynx Airlines becoming a leading global player in the air cargo marketplace.”

The jets will presumably be placed on the Latvian holdings' SmartLynx Airlines Malta (LYX, Malta Int'l) AOC which already includes five A330-300 preighters as well as one A321-200(P2F) and one A321-200(PCF). It also includes seven A320-200s and two A321-200s. The two A321Fs are wet-leased out to EAT Leipzig (QY, Leipzig/Halle) which uses them for DHL Express flights