Avia Solutions Group, one of the world’s largest ACMI providers, has acquired the UK-based airline operator Synergy Aviation as it seeks to expand its reach with a new charter airline in the country.
The aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance provider are using the acquisition of Synergy to set up a new airline called Ascend Airways through the use of its air operator certificate (AOC).
CEO Jonas Janukenas said: “We have been present in the UK aviation market for over ten years, managing MRO and charter brokerage businesses.
“Having a UK AOC will create new opportunities for the group in the UK and will enable us to expand the geographic reach of our ACMI and Charter services.”
Synergy Aviation joins the Irish-based Avia’s existing suite of airline companies and its fleet of 180 aircraft, including carriers Bluebird Nordic, Avion Express and SmartLynx Airlines.
Access to a UK AOC means that the group now holds ten globally, with further expansions planned for Latin America, Southeast Asia and Australia, including a plan to obtain an AOC in Indonesia this month.
Alastair Wilson will be taking over the management and development of the company’s charter and ACMI business in the UK. He said: “Our immediate focus is on working with the UK CAA to obtain a Type A Operating License, which shall enable us to offer ACMI and Charter services with 180 to 200-seat capacity aircraft by the end of the year.
“Our aim is then to offer UK customers locally based aircraft and crews to provide a more flexible and reliable service, minimising operational disruptions.”
Synergy Aviation is a private aircraft charter and management company which operates a number of aircraft such as King Air turboprops based near Heathrow and a Citation Mustang in the Channel Islands.
