Air TransportAvion Express Brasil launches first ACMI commercial flight
Avion Express Brasil, a subsidiary of Ireland’s Avia Solutions Group, carried out its first commercial ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) flight from Brazil on August 19. The milestone marks the debut of this leasing model in the country, which until now has been virtually unexplored by local airlines.
The airline’s only aircraft, an Airbus A320 registered PR-MLD, was the highlight of the operation. The jet first departed from Viracopos Airport on a flight (AEB91000) at 12:49, landing in Confins Airport at 13:39. From there, it operated the non-scheduled commercial flight AEB9002, which took off at 16:38 and landed in Mendoza, Argentina, at 20:40 (local times). Avion Express Brasil did not disclose the identity of the customer that contracted the service.
Subsidiary CEO Esteban Jauregui Lorda described the flight as a symbolic moment: “The first flight in a new partnership means a new beginning, trust, and collaboration. It’s a proud day for our team, and I’m sure this is just the start of our ACMI services in the region,” he said.
Avion Express Brasil received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from ANAC in February after registering the A320 in January. The 16-year-old aircraft, leased from Avolon, is configured with 180 seats and powered by CFM56 engines.
The ACMI model, widely adopted in Europe and other regions, allows airlines to lease aircraft with crew, maintenance, and insurance to cover peak demand or specific operational needs. In Brazil, it is practically unprecedented.
According to Avion Express Group CEO Darius Kajokas, the company aims to grow its Brazilian subsidiary and build a fleet of up to 25 narrowbody aircraft by 2028. The strategy reflects the potential of a market with around 300 aircraft but no prior experience with ACMI solutions.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
