Air Seychelles has finalized an ACMI lease agreement with Czech carrier Smartwings, brokered by Cyprus-based aviation specialist Zela Aviation. This arrangement enables Air Seychelles to enhance its operational capacity during peak travel periods by securing aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance from Smartwings.
The lease supports seamless flight operations amid rising passenger demand, allowing Air Seychelles to maintain schedule reliability without fleet expansion. Zela Aviation, established in 2006 with offices in Cyprus, Greece, and the United Kingdom, specializes in ACMI wet-lease intermediation to address airline capacity shortfalls globally. Serving clients across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the firm connects operators through short- and long-term agreements.
This deal aligns with Zela Aviation’s track record in similar transactions, including Fly Air 41’s Airbus A319 wet-lease to Cyprus Airways starting July 18 and four-aircraft ACMI leases for Nigeria’s Air Peace ahead of winter season demands. As Zela Aviation approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, Chairman Andreas Christodoulides highlighted the firm’s focus on supporting regional carriers, stating, “As a company based in Cyprus, Greece, and the UK, it is crucial for us to support our local airlines in these countries, as well as collaborate with other international and European airlines.”
Zela Aviation’s network of lessors and manufacturers facilitates flexible solutions during market volatility, reinforcing its role in outsourcing capacity management within the aviation sector.