Thai SmartLynx, an ACMI specialist airline, has reached a major milestone with the arrival of its first Airbus A320-200 at Don Mueang International Airport on Friday, 22 August 2025. The aircraft delivery represents the final step in the airline’s application process for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Thai SmartLynx will provide flexible fleet management solutions through its ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) business model, designed to support Thailand’s seasonal aircraft capacity needs. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aviation-driven tourism contributes USD22.2 billion to Thailand’s GDP and employs 3.2 million people. The introduction of ACMI solutions in Thailand comes at a timely moment, aligning with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s strategy to diversify tourism offerings and encourage foreign tourists to explore destinations beyond Thailand’s major tourist cities.
“Today’s aircraft delivery represents more than just a proud moment for the company, it is a powerful symbol of our commitment to supporting Thailand’s aviation and tourism sector,” said Martynas Grigas, Chairman of Thai SmartLynx. “ACMI provides a turnkey solution by delivering not only the aircraft but also crew, maintenance, and insurance. This allows our client airlines to scale operations during peak demand or cover grounded aircraft without the need for significant investment or long-term commitments.”
The aircraft arrival coincides with the opening of Thai SmartLynx’s new operations office at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), reinforcing the airline’s commitment to establishing a strong base in Thailand. Stationing its operations office at DMK allows the company to respond quickly to customer requirements, improve operational efficiency, and foster closer collaboration with airline partners.
Renowned for its versatility, fuel efficiency and reliability, the Airbus A320 will serve as the cornerstone of Thai SmartLynx’s fleet. The airline plans to gradually expand its fleet with additional A320 aircraft to provide cost-effective ACMI solutions for both Thai and regional carriers. These will provide airlines with the capability to trial new routes, add temporary capacity, or optimise networks without heavy upfront capital expenditure.
