Flight Training Blog

Updated on March 13, 2025.

One such gem is SmartLynx Airlines, a leading EU-based ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance), charter, and cargo operator based in Riga, Latvia. With the primary focus on the ACMI market, SmartLynx Airlines has operated for numerous carriers such as Air Malta, SBA Airlines, Finnair, Condor, TUI fly, DHL, and more. But let’s start from the beginning.

History

In 1992, SmartLynx was founded by four professional pilots and one experienced engineer as Lat Charter Airlines, an airline serving both leisure and ad hoc charter markets.

Since then, it has evolved remarkably from its cargo-focused origins to becoming a leading force in European aviation. Shifting to passenger charter services in the early 2000s marked a crucial moment as the airline swiftly established itself as a customer-centric industry leader with a modern and efficient aircraft fleet.

Since 2019, the airline has become a part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 221 aircraft on 6 continents. The group also provides a range of aviation services: MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of associated aviation services. Supported by 14,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group is the parent company to over 250+ subsidiaries.

Fleet

Currently, SmartLynx Airlines operates a fleet of 67 aircraft, as well as Latvian, Estonian, and Maltese Air Operator Certificates (AOC). The majority of the fleet is comprised of Airbus A320 aircraft and Boeing 737 MAX 8 on the passenger side. For the freight side of things, Airbus A321 cargo configuration aircraft are the dominant ones in the current fleet.

Operational bases

SmartLynx Airlines’ journey takes flight from the strategic hub of Riga International Airport. From there, the airline coordinates its flights, connecting travelers to worldwide destinations.

However, Tallinn Airport (TLL) in Estonia, Vilnius Airport (VNO) in Lithuania, Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy and Larnaca International Airport (LCA) in Cyprus are the airline’s additional bases, where it positions its aircraft and conducts various operational activities such as maintenance, crew assignments, flight planning and ground operations.

Destinations

SmartLynx company has served a diverse variety of destinations. It has always had routes between major cities in Europe and popular tourist destinations. Not to forget the connections between the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia). In addition, it has been operating flights to Mediterranean destinations, such as Cyprus and Greece, and had charter routes to leisure destinations, facilitating travel to beach resorts and vacation spots. Last but not least, routes to destinations in Africa and Asia serve leisure and business travelers.

Culture & Benefits for Pilots

SmartLynx Airlines nurtures a culture of teamwork and innovation. In turn, this provides pilots with opportunities for skill development, career growth, and a supportive network. The airline’s competitive salaries recognize pilots’ dedication, while a balanced work-life approach enhances job satisfaction.

A former SmartLynx cadet at BAA Training and now a First Officer at SmartLynx, Keaton Rolls, says that for him, SmartLynx is more than just an airline.

“Now, with line training complete and a few hundred hours of flying later, I’ve come to realize that Smartlynx is more than just an airline. My colleagues share a similar roster pattern with 20 days on and 10 days off, so we spend lots of our free time socializing. These colleagues I can now call friends. Cabin crew, management, pilots… We’re all one… At the same base… Running the same operation. Everyone is warm, friendly, and quick to guide you when fresh to a base. It feels like home when you constantly see colleagues and friends around the hotel, making everything comfortable.”

Pilot Salaries

Pilot salaries can vary significantly and are influenced by several factors, such as experience, aircraft type, and specific roles within the company. For instance, a recent SmartLynx Airlines job ad seeking an A320 First Officer holding an EASA license offers a range of €3,900 and €6,100 per month. A Captain’s position for the same aircraft type and license ranges between €7,100 and €9,500, providing a general understanding of potential earnings.

Recent News and Developments

Last year, SmartLynx Airlines established a new division in Thailand, Thai SmartLynx, obtaining its’ Air Operator’s License (AOL) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which is an important step on the way to obtaining the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).

With a 10% increase in domestic tourism predicted in the country over the next few years, there is a clear need for ACMI to provide additional capacity to this market. Thai SmartLynx will play an important role in being the first Thai-based provider of ACMI.

SmartLynx Airlines as BAA Training’s Partner

SmartLynx Airlines 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.

In the past, aspiring pilots had the opportunity to work for SmartLynx Airlines with the specifically tailored SmartLynx Cadet Program, which is currently closed for enrollment.

“I was a SmartLynx cadet with BAA Training from February 2021 to December 2022. I am now a First Officer on the A320 family based in Istanbul with SmartLynx’s Turkish Airlines project. I was accepted to this cadet program during Covid, which I will forever be grateful for,” the alumnus of the cadet program Keaton Rolls shares.

“The training with SmartLynx’s approved training organization (ATO) was great, with all instructors having excellent ways of teaching and portraying to us, cadets, the capabilities of the Airbus,” he adds. “Furthermore, the line training segment was something I’ll forever remember with great line training captains who have the patience to show you things and share their knowledge which they’ve acquired over many years.”

Bottom Line

SmartLynx Airlines is a forward-looking and successful ACMI operator that offers unconventional work opportunities for airline pilots, providing great flexibility and a wide range of travel routes. The airline consistently expands its fleet, employee network, and customer base, making it an excellent choice for aspiring pilots. The positive culture within the company has been attested by those currently flying with SmartLynx (and not only Keaton), so if you are looking to join the aviation industry, SmartLynx might be the answer!