Avion Express Brasil, a fully owned subsidiary company of the Avia Solutions Group, has appointed Esteban Jauregui Lorda as its new CEO. Currently in the third phase of the AOC (Air Operator's Certificate) certification process, Avion Express Brasil plans to commence operations in Q4 of 2024.
Avion Express CEO Darius Kajokas states that the company is focused on preparing for operations in Brazil and expanding in the Americas. He emphasizes that Lorda's experience in this market is expected to be highly beneficial for both the company and its clients.
"Having worked in managerial positions at Aerolineas Argentinas, GOL Linhas Aereas, and Avianca, Esteban is a great leader, and I am truly glad he is joining our team. As we focus not only on obtaining AOC and starting operations in Brazil but also on continue developing the ACMI market across the Americas, having a leader with deep knowledge of the local market is very important. I am confident that Esteban's expertise and leadership will help to drive the business of Avion Express Brasil to success by creating financial and operational benefits via ACMI services to the airlines in Brazil and the broader region of the Americas," says Kajokas.
The new CEO of Avion Express Brasil, Lorda, previously worked as the Fleet Director at Avianca. He began his aviation career in 2007 as a Technical Purchaser for Aerolíneas Argentinas, later transitioning to the company’s Fleet Department in 2009, and later on managed fleets at Brazil’s GOL Airlines and at Arajet in the Dominican Republic.
“I have been following Avion Express Brasil from the very beginning. With my extensive market knowledge, I always knew that something like it was needed and that it has tremendous potential. The ACMI sector is quite undeveloped in South America due to lack of investment and would greatly benefit from Europe-based assets to offset lower demand during winter seasons. Naturally, as soon as I was given the opportunity to not only become a part of this company but to actually lead it, I said ‘yes’ with barely a moment of hesitation,” said Lorda.
Lorda also mentioned that he has an ambition that Avion Express will establish itself as the most relevant ACMI supplier in the region, opening the ACMI market and raising awareness of its advantages.
“The goal is to provide a cost-efficient, turn-key ready solution for capacity demands during peak season to the Brazilian and South American carriers. In the near term, the top priority is certification and developing a strong team to partner with local airlines to be the top-of-mind ACMI solution,” shares Esteban.
Avion Express Brasil is part of an ambitious expansion project launched by its parent company, Avion Express, to consolidate its presence in Latin America. Specializing in narrow-body ACMI operations, Avion Express now operates a fleet of over 50 Airbus A320 family aircraft. Customer airlines of Avion Express include Air France-KLM Group Airlines, British Airways Group Airlines, Lufthansa Group Airlines, SKY Airline, SunExpress, TUI, VivaAerobus, Wizzair, and many others.
Avion Express is part of Avia Solutions Group – the world’s largest ACMI service company group, which operates a fleet of more than 200 aircraft. Companies belonging to the group also provide a variety of other aviation services, such as aircraft maintenance and repair, pilot and crew training, and ground handling.
