SmartLynx Airlines closes 2023 with record number of flights operated

Latvian-based SmartLynx Airlines has reported a record year for passenger operations, with 48% more flights operated and 53% more passengers carried (totalling over 6.5 million) in 2023 than the previous year. This growth was made possible through the expansion of SmartLynx’s fleet from 49 to 67 aircraft, an increase of 37%. The new acquisitions included the carrier’s first 737 MAX 8 in the ACMI sector, with the airline noting that a growth in demand for ACMI passenger services in 2023 was ‘driven by airlines favoring leasing services over purchasing new aircraft and due to substantial delays (averaging 16 months) in