AirExplore, Slovakia’s largest airline and a full-service provider of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) services, has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The carrier, part of Avia Solutions Group, now operates nine Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft and two Boeing 737-800 freighters, supporting growing demand for its charter and wet-lease operations.
The newly added Boeing 737-800, registered as OM-PEX, is configured in a single-class layout with 189 economy seats. Leased from Aviation Capital Group (ACG), the aircraft has completed all required inspections and maintenance checks and officially joined AirExplore’s fleet. The airline is evaluating deployment options across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in response to increased global demand for ACMI capacity.
Fleet Growth Strengthens ACMI Operations
AirExplore’s CEO Martin Štulajter said the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to balance long-term and seasonal ACMI contracts. “Our plan for the fleet is to deploy 50% of it on year-long contracts, while retaining the other 50% for seasonal contracts during high demand periods. We are ready to meet our customers’ needs in various regions, and securing this B737-800 provides us with the additional flexibility we need to do so,” said Martin Štulajter.
The airline’s crews are fully trained on the Boeing 737-800 type, allowing AirExplore to offer immediate ACMI services. The new addition enhances the carrier’s operational flexibility, enabling it to respond swiftly to short-term market demands and maintain a reliable service offering across multiple regions.
Štulajter emphasized that the fleet expansion gives AirExplore a competitive advantage amid continuing supply constraints in the global aviation market. “With ongoing aircraft shortages in the market and persistent delivery delays, adding a passenger aircraft gives us a strategic advantage. The demand for ACMI services remains strong, and this expansion allows us to offer reliable solutions,” said Martin Štulajter.
Responding to Global Demand for ACMI Services
The ACMI sector has experienced sustained growth as airlines seek flexible capacity to cover fleet shortages and peak-season surges. AirExplore’s latest fleet addition reinforces its position as a key player in the ACMI market, offering customized wet-lease and charter solutions to partner airlines worldwide.
With a mixed fleet of passenger and cargo aircraft, AirExplore serves diverse client needs across multiple regions. The airline’s balanced operational model—dividing its capacity between long-term and seasonal contracts—enables it to adapt to shifting market conditions and optimize aircraft utilization throughout the year.
AirExplore’s integration within Avia Solutions Group also enhances its ability to scale operations. As part of the world’s largest ACMI provider, the airline benefits from shared technical resources, maintenance support, and access to a global network of aviation subsidiaries. This structure allows AirExplore to maintain operational reliability while expanding its international footprint.
Avia Solutions Group operates a combined fleet of 187 aircraft across six continents, supported by over 14,000 aviation professionals. The group’s services include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), ground handling, pilot and crew training, and a range of aviation support services. AirExplore’s growth contributes to the group’s broader strategy to strengthen its ACMI presence in key markets.
The addition of the Boeing 737-800 underscores AirExplore’s continued investment in expanding its fleet to meet customer needs and capture emerging opportunities in the charter and leasing markets. With the aviation industry recovering and flight demand rising globally, the company’s expanded capacity positions it to support airlines seeking reliable short- and medium-term fleet solutions.
