SmartLynx Airlines receives Foreign Air Transport Operator Certificate in USA
SmartLynx Airlines, a globally acknowledged ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance), cargo and charter operator, has received the Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America (USA). The certification allows the airline to begin operations to, from, and within the United States.
The received Certificate acknowledges that SmartLynx aircraft registered under Latvian AOC (Air Operator Certificate) is compliant with the high standards and regulations of the United States. With the certification received, SmartLynx will now be able to support airlines that operate cross-continental full charter and ACMI flights to and from this destination.
Edvinas Demenius, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines: "Air Operation Certificates are part of our infrastructure. It is crucial for an airline, especially ACMI, to have access to different regions. The USA is the biggest and one of the most regulated aviation markets in the world and being able to provide our services there brings a lot of value to the airline and boosts our competitiveness. Approximately a third of our fleet operates under Latvian AOC. Therefore, this step allows us to expand our operations and gives more flexibility."
In 2023, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America (USA) completed the audit of the state agency "Civil Aviation Agency" (CAA), awarding Latvia the 1st category. It allowed aircraft operators registered in Latvia, like SmartLynx, to begin carrying out passenger flights on behalf of US airlines and commercial flights to the US, including from airports in other countries. Since 2019, SmartLynx Airlines has operated flights to and from the USA under a Maltese AOC. Now, aircraft registered under the Latvian AOC are also eligible to operate these flights.
In 2024, passenger demand for flights has reached pre-pandemic levels for the first time. As a result, this year SmartLynx has transported a record number of passengers – 7.21 million (January to September), which is 52% more than in the same period last year (4.72 million).