Updated on March 13, 2025.

Founded in 2005, Avion Express has become an industry-leading narrow-body ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operator with over 19 years of experience in the field. They have established long-term partnerships with clients across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Avion Express’ history, fleet, destinations, culture, and benefits for those pursuing or considering a pilot career at the airline.

Where Did Avion Express Start?

Avion Express started as a regional airline offering charter flights to various European destinations. Over time, it expanded its operations and shifted its focus to ACMI leasing services. Now, it is one of the largest ACMI providers globally, operating flights to various destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The airline is part of the Avia Solutions Group family, the world’s largest ACMI provider, with a fleet of 214 aircraft. The group also provides a range of aviation services, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of associated services. Supported by more than 12,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group operates in 68 countries worldwide.

Fleet

Avion Express has expanded its aircraft fleet to 85 aircraft, the majority of the fleet comprising of Airbus A320 passenger aircraft and four Airbus A321 aircraft. They are configured with comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment systems, and other amenities that enhance the travel experience for passengers.

Avion Express aircraft

Operational Bases

The company’s primary operational base is in Vilnius, Lithuania (Vilnius International Airport). In recent years, the airline has expanded significantly. At the beginning of 2024, Avion Express has operated from:

  • Gdansk (Poland)
  • Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart (Germany)
  • Belfast, Dublin (Ireland)
  • Cardiff (United Kingdom)
  • Corsica (France)
  • Malta
  • Tirana (Albania)
  • Sofia (Bulgaria)
  • Antalya (Türkiye)
  • Mexico City, Monterrey, Cancun, Guadalajara (Mexico)

The airline’s strategic location at these bases allows it to provide its customers with efficient and reliable ACMI leasing services.

Destinations

Avion Express operates flights to various destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa, counting over 270 of them. Some of the destinations that it flies to or has flown to include Alicante, Spain; Heraklion, Greece; Naples, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Zanzibar, Tanzania; and more. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and Avion Express may add or remove destinations based on its route network and schedule.

aircraft

Culture and Benefits for Pilots

Avion Express encourages open communication and promotes a culture of continuous improvement, where employees are encouraged to share their ideas and suggestions for improvement. The company also invests in the training and development of its employees to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality services.

The airline’s diverse and multicultural team of professionals from various backgrounds creates a dynamic and inclusive work environment. The company’s culture is centered around professionalism, teamwork, continuous improvement, and social responsibility.

Your PILOT CAREER

starts with a first click

Sign up now

In terms of benefits, the company provides its pilots with competitive salaries, training and career development opportunities, health insurance, pension plans, travel discounts, and more.

Recent News and Developments

Last month, Avion Express announced that its subsidiary, Avion Express Brasil, has successfully obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). For Avion Express, this milestone marks the official launch of the first dedicated ACMI operator in Brazil, further strengthening the airline’s position in the global market.

Avion Express as BAA Training’s Partner

Avion Express is one of our partner airlines that is a part of the BAA Training Cadet Program’s employer pool as well as one of the leading partners for the Pilot Runway program – a unique pilot career opportunity with airline financing and a guaranteed job.

pilots at Avion Express

Working for Avion Express is unique because you will fly for many different airlines and gain diverse experience, quickly adapting to each company’s operating procedures and policies. Some notable customers of Avion Express are Norwegian Air, TUI, LOT Polish Airlines, and VietJet Air, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself flying for these airlines one day as an Avion Express pilot.

Bottom Line

Overall, Avion Express is a dynamic and innovative airline with a strong presence in the global aviation industry. With its modern fleet, a diverse range of customers, and a commitment to safety and quality, Avion Express is well-positioned to continue to grow and succeed in the years to come. The company’s partnership with BAA Training is also an exciting development that will help to address the shortage of pilots in the aviation industry and to support the growth of the sector.