A thunderbolt in European skies: SmartLynx, a long-standing player in ACMI and wet-lease operations, has announced that it will cease all commercial activities as of November 24, 2025. For customer airlines, airports, rental companies and passengers alike, this decision has sent shockwaves that extend far beyond Latvia's hangars and airport parking lots.
Sudden withdrawal weakens ACMI market
SmartLynx's demise highlights model's vulnerability ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) when a major supplier suddenly leaves the market. SmartLynx operated a significant fleet, composed mainly ofAirbus A320 and A321Several Latvian-registered aircraft were deployed on short- and medium-haul contracts. According to Flywest, twelve Latvian aircraft were at the heart of operations at the time of the shutdown, including an A321 converted to P2F (passenger-to-freighter).
Risks for customer companies and operational repercussions
Companies that used to rely on SmartLynx to meet seasonal or one-off needs are now faced with immediate capacity shortfalls. The cancellation of ACMI contracts can lead to the loss of frequencies, the disorganization of connections and increased pressure on schedules and cash flow. The short-term leasing market is already under pressure, with demand for ready-to-fly aircraft outstripping available supply, mechanically driving up lease rates.
Consequences for freight and P2F conversion
The shutdown of SmartLynx also affects the cargo segment, notably because of an A321 recently converted to P2F which was helping to boost freight capacity in Europe. The scarcity of aircraft dedicated to cargo, combined with continuing e-commerce and logistics demand, is likely to fuel pressure on freight prices and on the availability of fast charter solutions.
What happens to the planes and the staff?
Locating aircraft is already an operational challenge. Several aircraft have been reported grounded at European ports of call such as Tarbes, Madrid, Sofia, Varna and Larnaca, making their redeployment more complex. The situation raises the question of leasing contracts, aircraft returns and regulatory procedures for changing registrations or reassigning the fleet.
Social impact and crew qualifications
In human terms, the shutdown raises major questions about the future of crews, technicians and sales staff. These skilled profiles represent a valuable asset for the sector, but will need to be brought up to speed in line with the specific procedures of future employers. Given the tightness of the air transport job market, a rapid reshuffling of the workforce is likely, albeit at a considerable social cost for the employees concerned.
Economic consequences and opportunities for market players
In the short term, the shutdown of SmartLynx will lead to disruption and a tightening of the wet-lease market. In the medium term, it also creates opportunities for other ACMI operators and aircraft lessors. Companies seeking to maintain their programs will have to explore alternative solutions, including the use of leasing operatorsThese include dry-lease aircraft, supplemented by local recruitment, and the purchase of capacity from regional operators.
Expected reactions from institutional players
Airport authorities and regulators will have to monitor service continuity, particularly on routes heavily dependent on ACMI operators. Coordination between airlines, airports and maintenance suppliers is essential to limit disruption and avoid domino effects on connections and international freight.
Challenges for the maintenance chain and MROs
MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) centers could see fluctuating activity due to aircraft redistribution. The shutdown of a major supplier alters maintenance schedules, parts availability and repair priorities, affecting the overall ability of the European fleet to maintain a high level of availability.
For travellers, the disappearance of a historic ACMI operator means an additional hazard in the stability of schedules and frequencies, reminding us of the global network's dependence on air logistics chains. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the extent of the repercussions and the market's capacity to absorb this structural shock.
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