VALLAIR leases two A321-200 freighters to SmartLynx Malta
Vallair, the mature aircraft and asset specialist, and launch customer for the A321 freighter conversion (A321F), has signed an agreement with SmartLynx to lease two newly converted A321-200 freighters. The aircraft will be the first cargo planes to be operated by SmartLynx.
Vallair has been engaged in cargo conversions since 2015 and is the launching lessor of the Airbus A321 freighter
“We look forward to seeing the A321Fs flying in Europe,” says Alistair Dibisceglia, Chief Leasing and Trading Officer for Vallair. “The aircraft will be operated by SmartLynx on behalf of an international freight forwarder and will be based in Malta. The location is ideal for inter European distribution and will help to also alleviate the pressure on congested cargo hubs.”
The A321F is the greenest narrowbody freighter currently available. “Converting younger aircraft into freighters certainly has environmental advantages,” continues Dibisceglia. “As the technology used within the aircraft is younger by default, operators of this freighter can expect to see a 20% reduction in fuel burn per payload. With the surge in demand for air cargo as a result of the pandemic, and the availability of feedstock, we believe that the A321F will be the future of e-commerce and satisfy market demands for the next 20 years.”