Small Planet Airlines has begun to operate a series of student charter flights to Cork Airport and Dublin Airport on behalf of Alitalia, using LY-FLE Boeing 737-3L9 c/n 27061. The carrier plans to return it’s two remaining 737-300s to lessors at the end of the summer season.

The airline has begun a fleet renewal programme to replace its five Boeing 737-300s with Airbus A320 aircraft creating new growth opportunities.

Small Planet Airlines CEO Vytautas Kaikaris said “Following the leasing of the new aircraft, the company’s fleet became one of the freshest among the European charter airlines. We will aim to maintain an average fleet age of about 10 years. By renewing our fleet, we are aiming at more efficient operations. A320s, compared with Boeing 737-300s, have bigger capacity and lower fuel consumption per seat. In addition, they are more reliable and that should help with punctuality.”

Small Planet Airlines is a holiday charter airline holding two air operator certificates in Poland and Lithuania with a fleet of nine aircraft. Key markets for the airline include Poland, UK, Italy, France and Lithuania.

Irish Aviation Research Institute © 7th July 2013 All Rights Reserved.