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Queensland-based regional and ACMI carrier SmartLynx Australia has rebranded back to Skytrans after just six months.
Skytrans, which took the SmartLynx brand in July last year to bring it into alignment with other airlines in the Avia Solutions Group, has brought back its former branding following the collapse of SmartLynx Latvia at the end of November.
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The rebrand was signalled in December, and ASG said it would exit the SmartLynx branding globally. The Latvian carrier entered creditor protection shortly after being spun off from ASG, with reports of debts in excess of €238 million.
“Skytrans Australia is a standout airline operating in the tough Australian regional aviation market,” said Skytrans CEO Gytis Gumuliauskas.
“Focusing on long-term sustainability, we are growing our Dash 8 fleet, adding new routes, and working across industry and the public sector to help strengthen the delivery of reliable and affordable air services to rural, regional and remote communities.”
In a press release, Skytrans said it “remains committed to delivering reliable regional connectivity through its scheduled RPT (Regular Public Transport) services and charter/FIFO (fly-in fly-out) flights for commercial clients”.
“As part of Avia Solutions Group, the company is expanding its fleet and offering, including ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services. The aim is to add global flexibility while preserving the regional reliability Skytrans is known for.”
“The rebrand is limited solely to matters of corporate identity. Skytrans Australia will continue flights under the Australian Air Operator Certificate (AOC), and all day-to-day operations are set to continue without disruption, ensuring full-service continuity for customers and partners.”
Speaking to Australian Aviation last year ahead of the move away from the SmartLynx name, chief commercial officer Richard George said the rebrand will allow the airline to “concentrate on [its] own operation and [its] own brand and what it means”.
“The only thing we really shared with any of the other SmartLynx operations was the brand name,” George said.
“Our operation is completely independent, and has been independent here in Australia. So, ours is more just a rebrand that will better represent what our operation is and what we can offer the market, here in Australia and across the Pacific.
“It’s a decision as part of the broader group to move away from the SmartLynx brand. We’ve got Thai SmartLynx, which is also being rebranded at the same time – they’re part of the group.”
Skytrans received CASA approval for its ACMI services last year, and currently operates a fleet of two A319s and nine Dash 8s.
The airline is looking to use its A319s to boost passenger capacity for airline clients during peak seasons, as well as allow other regional carriers to test new routes, and offer airlines a stopgap measure while their own aircraft are undergoing maintenance.
