SmartLynx has announced the introduction of the first freighter aircraft registered in Malta. The A321F, with the registration 9H-CGA, is the first aircraft of its type to be registered in Malta and is also the first of its type to be introduced to the SmartLynx line-up of A320 and A321 aircraft.ÿ
The new freighter will fly to Leipzig where it will commence operations in support of the Express Division of Deutsche Post?s DHL group. The partnership will further enhance DHL?s unit Co2 emissions by introducing the most fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft in its class.Citing the growing demand for air cargo capacity, Zygimantas Surintas, CEO of SmartLynx Malta says, ?The increasing demand for e-commerce shipments, along with the continuous need for the transportation of both protective equipment and medical supplies has vastly dictated the pace of growth right across the air cargo industry. The introduction of our new A321F as the first freighter aircraft registered in Malta will enhance our ability to support our partners in DHL and be well placed to contribute our support for growing air cargo demand in general.?
Capt. Charles Pace, Director General for Malta Civil Aviation, stated that the collaboration which started with the setting up of the AOC is now moving forward with these new initiatives. ?The growth of SmartLynx Airlines and introduction of new aircraft fills us with courage at a time when the industry has been struggling to cope. CAD is extremely pleased with the response which SmartLynx Airlines has shown during the weeks of work on the project, and look forward to see more aircraft added to the AOC.?
In addition to this quantum leap for SmartLynx Malta, plans are afoot for the introduction of additional A321Fs along with a future target of becoming one of the largest narrow-body cargo freight carriers.
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