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Skytrans has been cleared to start A319 wet-leasing operations, with CASA signing off on updates to its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
The regional Queensland airline, which was purchased last year by global aviation firm Avia Solutions Group, received its first A319, registered VH-L7A, in mid-December. Its second – to be registered VH-L7C – arrived at the end of last month.
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Skytrans is looking to use its A319s to boost passenger capacity for airline clients during peak seasons, as well as allow other regional carriers to test new routes, and offer airlines a stopgap measure while their own aircraft are undergoing maintenance.
“The AOC operations specification approval to operate the Airbus A319 is a significant achievement for Skytrans,” managing director Gytis Gumuliauskas said.
“It will expand our fleet capabilities and provide clients with the opportunity to deliver profit accelerating initiatives through the utilisation of additional fleet capacity at crucial peak season periods.
“The introduction of the new aircraft type is a major step forward and marks a new era of ACMI services in Australia.”
Speaking to Australian Aviation, Gumuliauskas said it will be easier to discuss contracts with airlines now that Skytrans’ AOC has been updated.
“In the meantime, while we’re trying to secure our first contracts, there are already a few signed ad-hoc charters, which will be happening a bit later from now on. We are looking to secure a longer term contract which would grant initial hours of flying,” he said.
“There are several discussions underway with several carriers. We are also at the same time marketing this activity and this product.
“We’re engaging to any carrier who potentially may need such capacity, without naming names – everybody who is operating narrow body and similar capacity. We’re discussing it more seriously.”
Gumuliauskas said Skytrans will “never say never” to using its A319s on RPT routes in the future, but that the focus is currently on building out its wet-lease operations.
“I’m not saying no, but the core development plan is ACMI. We want to be a neutral, independent capacity provider to the market. That’s the main business line of what we are developing, which is also a bit new,” he said.
“The market knows and understands what ACMI is and wet leasing is, but the more we are talking to other airlines, the more it clarifies to them how beneficial we can be, because we don’t demand to have a one-year or five-year fixed deal.
“In order to provide this capacity, we are offering contracts of various lengths to cover base maintenance or to cover peak seasons. Of course, we can discuss long-term partnerships, but we are saying that it’s not the only way to use our capacity for their own benefit.”
Skytrans expects an initial batch of three A319s by the end of the year, ramping up to 13-15 within the next five years. It currently operates a fleet of turboprops, including Dash 8s and Cessna Grand Caravans, and will acquire more Dash 8s from QantasLink for Lord Howe Island services.
