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AirExplore
AirExplore
AirExplore
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AirExplore is a Slovak charter airline headquartered and based at Bratislava Airport. The airline is IOSA certified and is a member of AIR-E, Airlines International Representation in Europe.[1]

Key Information

The company is a part of Avia Solutions Group, a global aviation business group.[citation needed]

Operations

[edit]

AirExplore operates a fleet of 9 passenger aircraft and a 5 cargo aircraft, all Boeing 737-800.[2] The airline specialises in leasing (ACMI) its aircraft to many different airlines around the world, mainly for seasonal operations, but it also operates chartered flights for tour operators, sports teams and other companies.[3]

The airline started operations in 2010 with a single Boeing 737-400 aircraft. It expanded its fleet by adding a Boeing 737-300 aircraft to it in 2011, before introducing an additional three Boeing 737-400 aircraft until 2014. Between 2014 and 2019, it gradually updated its fleet to only include Boeing 737-800 aircraft.[4]

In July 2020, the airline introduced scheduled flights between Bratislava and Split, flying the route twice a week during the summer season.[5] Since then, it has also operated scheduled flights between Košice and Zadar once a week during the summer season as well as between Bratislava and Stockholm every two weeks year-round.[4] The scheduled flights have since been discontinued.

On 25 August 2022, the airline took delivery of its first cargo aircraft, a converted Boeing 737-800.[6]

In June 2023, AirExplore was acquired by Avia Solutions Group.[citation needed]

Fleet

[edit]

Current fleet

[edit]
AirExplore Boeing 737-800

As of August 2025, AirExplore operates the following aircraft:[7]

AirExplore fleet
Aircraft In Fleet Passengers
Boeing 737-800 8 189
Boeing 737-800BCF 1 Cargo
Boeing 737-800SF 3 Cargo
Total 12

Previously operated

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

AirExplore

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from Grokipedia
AirExplore is a Slovak charter and full-service ACMI (, , , and ) provider specializing in and operations worldwide. Headquartered in at Krajná 29, the company was founded in and has grown to become Slovakia's largest , having transported over 9 million across more than 72,000 flights and accumulating over 202,000 block hours by late 2025. As a of , the world's largest ACMI provider operating on , AirExplore focuses on flexible wet-lease solutions, enabling airlines and tour operators to meet seasonal demands without owning aircraft. Its operations emphasize efficiency and sustainability, utilizing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft that reduce fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and noise compared to older models. The airline holds an Air Operator Certificate, (CAMO) Certificate, Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Approval Certificate Part 145, and has maintained (IOSA) certification since 2015, with the latest renewal in September 2024 validating its adherence to global safety standards. AirExplore's fleet, as of November 2025, consists of 14 737-800 aircraft, including passenger configurations with up to 189 seats and converted freighters such as the 737-800SF and BCF models for cargo transport. The primarily serves European, Middle Eastern, and African markets, supporting , , and through long-term and short-term leases, with recent expansions including additional 737-800s to bolster capacity during peak seasons like summer 2025. In addition to ACMI services, AirExplore offers ad-hoc charters and has secured approvals like a Foreign Air Carrier Permit in 2024, enabling transatlantic operations under EASA regulations.

History

Founding and early operations

AirExplore, Ltd. was established in 2010 as a Slovak-based charter airline, with the of the Slovak Republic granting it an (AOC) on May 29, 2010, enabling commercial air transport operations. The airline commenced operations shortly after, receiving delivery of its inaugural aircraft—a 737-400 registered as OM-AEX—which marked the start of flight activities later that year. Headquartered and based at , AirExplore initially concentrated on ad-hoc charter services for tour operators and other clients across , transporting passengers without any scheduled routes and achieving steady early growth in passenger volumes through these flexible operations. A significant development occurred in early 2012 when the airline obtained EASA Part 145 approval for its in-house maintenance organization, allowing greater operational independence by handling aircraft upkeep internally. This foundation supported subsequent fleet enhancements starting in 2014.

Expansion and fleet modernization

In 2014, AirExplore initiated its fleet renewal program by introducing its first Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, registered as OM-GEX, which represented a significant upgrade from the older Boeing 737-400 Classic models previously in service. This addition marked the beginning of a strategic shift toward more efficient, modern narrow-body jets capable of supporting expanded charter operations across Europe. By 2015, the airline had retired its five 737 Classics, fully transitioning to the 737-800 platform to enhance fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. A key regulatory milestone came in 2015 with AirExplore's achievement of (IOSA) certification, which validated its operational standards and bolstered its reputation for international , , , and (ACMI) contracts. This approval facilitated greater access to partnerships with European tour operators and organizations, leading to an increase in flights for national teams, such as the Slovak national football squad, and various corporate clients. Concurrently, the airline joined the AIR-E alliance, an organization representing airlines in , which provided collaborative opportunities for sales, marketing, and operational synergies in the Eastern European aviation market. By 2019, AirExplore had grown its fleet to multiple 737-800 aircraft, including additions like OM-FEX in 2015, OM-IEX in 2016, and OM-JEX in 2017, enabling a substantial rise in operational capacity. This expansion supported a surge in services for tour operators and teams throughout , culminating in pre-COVID achievements that positioned the airline as Slovakia's leading provider with elevated block hours and flight volumes.

Acquisition and cargo diversification

In response to the , AirExplore pivoted its operations in 2020 to conduct medical supply flights and services amid sharply reduced passenger demand, transporting essential medical equipment and facilitating the return of stranded travelers. The airline expanded into operations with the delivery of its first 737-800BCF freighter, registered OM-EDA, on August 25, 2022, marking its entry into dedicated freighter services to diversify beyond passenger ACMI leasing. This addition enabled AirExplore to offer capacity on key European routes, supporting and logistics growth post-pandemic. In June 2023, AirExplore was acquired by , the world's largest ACMI provider, for an undisclosed sum, which accelerated fleet expansion to 14 aircraft and bolstered its global wet-lease capabilities across and beyond. The acquisition integrated AirExplore into a network of nine air operator certificates, enhancing operational synergies and market reach for seasonal charter demands. By May 2025, AirExplore had achieved significant milestones, including over 9 million passengers carried since inception, more than 202,000 block hours, and over 72,000 flights, solidifying its position as Slovakia's largest airline. Post-acquisition, the focus shifted to wet-lease contracts for peak seasons, with agreements spanning April to November 2025 for multiple Boeing 737-800s leased to European carriers on high-traffic holiday routes. In October 2025, the airline added another Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft to its fleet. This strategy supported tourism recovery and positioned AirExplore as a key ACMI partner amid ongoing aircraft delivery delays in the region.

Operations

Business model and services

AirExplore operates primarily as a full-service ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, specializing in wet lease arrangements to meet short- and long-term capacity needs for airlines and other clients. This model allows customers to access dedicated aircraft without significant capital investment, supporting route expansions, seasonal peaks, and ad-hoc demands through fully crewed, maintained, and insured operations under its EASA Air Operator's Certificate. In passenger services, the airline offers chartered flights for tour operators, sports teams, corporate clients, and ad-hoc groups, typically configured for up to 189 passengers in an all-economy layout on its aircraft. These services emphasize safe and comfortable travel for leisure, events, or team relocations, with partnerships enabling European airlines to handle peak summer demand through leased capacity from April to November. In 2025, the airline added another to its fleet in October to meet growing demand and partnered with FL Technics for long-term . Since 2022, AirExplore has expanded into dedicated cargo operations, utilizing Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF) for global transport of general cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and specialized items like dangerous goods, though by 2025 it reduced its cargo operations amid market challenges, maintaining a smaller dedicated freighter fleet. This diversification includes tailored charter programs and has supported medical supply and repatriation flights during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline briefly ventured into scheduled passenger services in 2020 with twice-weekly flights from Bratislava to Split during the summer season but returned to its core charter and ACMI focus thereafter.

Destinations and routes

AirExplore primarily focuses its operations on charter flights across , targeting leisure destinations in the Mediterranean such as Split and in , Scandinavian cities like in , and popular Turkish resorts including . This geographic emphasis supports seasonal demand from tour operators and passengers seeking vacation spots. In its early scheduled operations, AirExplore launched the –Split route in July 2020, operating twice weekly from July 19 through early September, with flight durations of approximately 1 hour 25 minutes using aircraft. The airline also provided seasonal scheduled service from to in 2020, with weekly Saturday departures starting in early July, covering the 1.5-hour flight to facilitate access to Croatian coastal holidays. Additionally, the – route ran bi-weekly from January 2021, connecting the Slovak capital to Arlanda every two weeks year-round to serve business travelers, students, and workers, though it was later discontinued. Under its ACMI leasing model, AirExplore's route network remains flexible and client-driven, with no fixed hub-and-spoke system; instead, acts as the main operational base for coordinating worldwide charters and leases. This allows for tailored paths, such as summer peaks to Mediterranean and Turkish leisure sites or cargo deliveries to key European hubs like and . Recent instances include 2025 charter flights from to , operated on behalf of tour operators like to meet high seasonal demand.

Fleet

Current fleet

AirExplore's current fleet as of November 2025 consists of 14 737-800 aircraft, including 9 variants and 5 dedicated cargo conversions, with an average age of 20.7 years. This uniform composition across all aircraft types enhances maintenance efficiency and operational standardization. The aircraft comprise 9 737-800s, each configured in a single-economy class layout accommodating 189 passengers. Representative examples include OM-PEX, delivered in October 2025 and leased from Aviation Capital Group, and OM-IEX, added in March 2025. The fleet has seen passenger additions in 2025 to support seasonal demands. For cargo operations, the fleet includes 5 737-800 converted freighters, such as BCF and SF models, all optimized for dedicated . A key example is OM-EDA, the 's first BCF, delivered in August 2022. The other include OM-EDC and OM-EDD, both SF variants added in 2024. The segment expanded notably in 2024 with three additional 737 freighters added in June, though the fleet has since adjusted to 5 as of November 2025. The majority of the fleet is leased out under ACMI agreements for the 2025 summer season spanning to November, supporting both services across and routes. This leasing strategy allows AirExplore to provide flexible capacity to partner airlines amid seasonal demand peaks.

Previously operated aircraft

AirExplore's early fleet consisted exclusively of models, specifically the 737-300 and 737-400 variants, which were operated from the airline's inception in 2010 until their phase-out in the mid-2010s. The airline began operations on May 30, 2010, with a single 737-400 registered as OM-AEX, marking its entry into the charter market. This initial aircraft served as the foundation for AirExplore's wet-lease and charter services, with the fleet remaining limited to one to three such models through the early expansion phase by 2013. In June 2011, AirExplore added its second , a 737-300 registered as OM-BEX, which was primarily utilized for charter flights across . This model, for instance, was involved in a 2013 incident at Schiphol Airport, where it lined up for takeoff without flaps set while operating for , highlighting operational challenges with the aging type. By early 2013, the fleet had grown to four , all 737-400s except for the single 737-300, enabling broader ACMI (, Crew, , and Insurance) contracts but revealing limitations in and parts commonality. No other types were ever operated by the during this period. The transition away from these classic models began in 2014, with the introduction of aircraft to replace the older fleet, culminating in the full retirement of the five 737 Classics by 2015. This renewal was driven by the advanced age of the aircraft (typically over 20 years), their higher fuel consumption compared to Next Generation models, and the need to reduce operating costs while complying with stricter emission standards. The shift to a uniform 737-800 family also enhanced ACMI compatibility by simplifying crew training, maintenance, and operational flexibility, as the type offers 10-15% lower CO₂ emissions than its predecessors.

Incidents and accidents

Safety record overview

AirExplore has maintained an exemplary safety record throughout its operations, with no fatal accidents or hull losses reported since its founding in 2010. The airline has completed over 72,000 flights and accumulated more than 202,000 block hours, demonstrating consistent reliability and minimal operational disruptions. The carrier holds key certifications that underscore its commitment to international safety standards. It has been IOSA-audited by the since 2015, with the certification renewed in September 2024, marking nine consecutive years of compliance in areas such as flight operations, maintenance, and ground handling. Additionally, AirExplore received EASA Part 145 maintenance organization approval in February 2012, enabling in-house maintenance capabilities that align with European regulatory requirements for aircraft servicing. Safety metrics reflect a low incident rate per flight hour, bolstered by rigorous crew training programs and regular internal audits. As a of , AirExplore benefits from shared safety practices across the group's global network, including standardized procedures for risk management in ACMI operations. Under EASA oversight as Slovakia's largest airline, the carrier maintains a clean regulatory standing with no major violations recorded. Following its full integration into Avia Solutions Group in 2023, AirExplore implemented enhanced safety protocols, particularly in crew training tailored to diverse ACMI and charter scenarios, ensuring adaptability to varying operational demands while upholding high standards.

Notable events

In 2013, an AirExplore Boeing 737-300, operating a charter flight for TUI fly Netherlands to Dalaman, Turkey, lined up on runway 36L at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport without the flaps configured for takeoff, triggering the takeoff warning system. The crew aborted the takeoff promptly, resulting in no injuries to the 130 passengers or crew aboard. A passenger, who was a Boeing 747 captain, observed the error and reported it to TUI fly and Dutch aviation authorities, leading to the termination of the flight's captain and an end to the wet-lease agreement with AirExplore after the season; TUI conducted procedural reviews to enhance oversight of wet-leased operations. On July 19, 2020, AirExplore registration OM-LEX, performing an inaugural flight ED-3830 from to Split, experienced a control-related concern during cruise at FL310 when the captain allowed his young son to sit in the between his legs, with the child's hand resting on the captain's knee, as captured in photographs shared on . The crew maintained full control of the , and the flight proceeded without further issues, landing safely in Split before returning to with no harm to the 189 passengers or crew. Slovak Transport Authority (NSAT) investigators classified the event as non-critical to flight following inspection, clearing the but noting a breach of cockpit access procedures; the incident echoed past cases like , prompting immediate procedural updates. The 2020 cockpit access violation led to further scrutiny in 2021, when the incident was publicly reported, confirming the captain had briefly placed his son on his lap during the cruise phase, violating crew duty regulations. AirExplore responded with internal disciplinary action against the captain, including temporary suspension of his type rating instructor privileges and demotion, alongside new policies restricting cockpit entry for minors under 16 without managerial approval. The NSAT endorsed these measures, and the airline filed a report with the European Coordination Centre for Accident and Incident Reporting Systems (ECCAIRS) to prevent recurrence. On September 14, 2025, AirExplore registration OM-FEX, operating flight E47030 from to , veered off 25 upon in amid cumulonimbus activity, excursing onto an unpaved area and becoming stuck. All 189 passengers and six evacuated safely via stairs with no injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained damage and was disabled. The excursion caused a temporary closure of John Paul II International Airport's 07/25, diverting multiple flights to until reopening later that evening; Poland's State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation rated it a serious incident and initiated probes into weather-related factors like hydroplaning. These events highlight recurring minor issues at AirExplore, primarily involving human factors such as procedural lapses and environmental challenges like adverse weather, all resolved swiftly without passenger harm and resulting in targeted regulatory and internal enhancements.

References

  1. https://airexplore.aero/
  2. https://sk.linkedin.com/company/airexplore
  3. https://airexplore.aero/contact/
  4. https://www.ajot.com/news/slovakias-largest-airline-airexplore-marks-15-years-in-business
  5. https://airexplore.aero/air-explore/our-company/
  6. https://airexplore.aero/fleet/
  7. https://airexplore.aero/airexplore-earns-renewal-of-iosa-safety-certification/
  8. https://www.planespotters.net/airline/AirExplore
  9. https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airexplore-reinforces-737-800-fleet-with-additional-passenger-jet/164960.article
  10. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/airexplore-leases-majority-of-fleet-for-europes-peak-summer-season
  11. https://aviasg.com/en/media/our-news/airexplore/a-look-inside-the-approval-of-airexplore-s-us-foreign-air-carrier-permit
  12. https://airexplore.aero/new-airline-on-the-slovak-sky/
  13. https://airexplore.aero/air-explore/history/
  14. https://news.mavio.org/2022/05/07/airexplore-expands-fleet/
  15. https://www.aircargonews.net/avia-solutions-buys-slovakias-airexplore/1061545.article
  16. https://airexplore.aero/own-maintenance-of-airexplore-aircraft/
  17. https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/AirExplore-history-b737ng-0-ddasc.htm
  18. https://aviasg.com/en/media/our-news/airexplore/building-a-fleet-capable-of-global-expansion
  19. https://airexplore.aero/slovakias-largest-airline-airexplore-marks-15-years-in-business/
  20. https://www.facebook.com/piestany.airport/posts/dnes-si-predstav%25C3%25ADme-leteck%25C3%25A9-spolo%25C4%258Dnosti-ktor%25C3%25A9-k-n%25C3%25A1m-letaj%25C3%25BA-ako-prv%25C3%25BA-si-predstav%25C3%25AD/616242618484683/
  21. https://airexplore.aero/services/
  22. https://aire.aero/airlines-members/airexplore/
  23. https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/boeing-737-800-om-eda-airexplore/rmm6mr
  24. https://airexplore.aero/fleet/b737-800-om-eda/
  25. https://cargofacts.com/allposts/carriers/airexplore-to-enter-freighter-market/
  26. https://aviasg.com/en/media/our-news/industry-insights/avia-solutions-group-acquires-leading-acmi-and-charter-airline-airexplore
  27. https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/128299-slovakias-airexplore-sold-to-avia-solutions-group
  28. https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airlines-lessors/avia-solutions-group-acquires-wet-lease-provider-airexplore
  29. https://aviasg.com/en/media/our-news/airexplore/airexplore-leases-majority-of-fleet-for-europe-s-peak-summer-season
  30. https://worldairnews.co.za/airexplore-leases-majority-of-fleet-for-europes-peak-season-surge/
  31. https://www.aviasg.com/en/media/our-news/airexplore/slovakia-s-largest-airline-airexplore-marks-15-years-in-business
  32. https://airexplore.aero/airexplore-adds-an-additional-b737-800-to-its-fleet/
  33. https://avitrader.com/2025/07/24/airexplore-partners-with-fl-technics-for-landing-gear-maintenance/
  34. https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/118783-slovakias-air-explore-takes-first-b737-800bcf
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  36. https://www.yahoo.com/news/another-cargo-airline-downsizes-operations-151457969.html
  37. https://www.alternativeairlines.com/airexplore
  38. https://airexplore.aero/closer-cheaper-easier-10-reasons-to-choose-split-from-bratislava-this-summer/
  39. https://www.airportkosice.sk/en/passengers/news/kosice-holiday-croatia-air-3rd-july
  40. https://enrsi.stvr.sk/articles/news/244989/bratislava-to-have-regular-air-link-with-stockholm-from-17-january
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  42. https://www.aircargonews.net/airexplore-adds-three-737fs/1071622.article
  43. https://airlive.net/incident/2025/09/14/krakow-airport-closed-following-boeing-737-incident/
  44. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/another-cargo-airline-downsizes-operations-as-parcel-business-dries-up
  45. https://aviation.direct/en/Air-Explore-expects-booming-summer-2025
  46. https://airexplore.aero/airexplore-leases-majority-of-fleet-for-europes-peak-summer-season/
  47. https://airexplore.aero/the-fourth-airplane-in-the-fleet-of-airexplore/
  48. https://airexplore.aero/second-aircraft-of-airexplore/
  49. https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/airexplore/boeing-737-300-lined-up-at-schiphol-without-setting-the-flaps/
  50. https://simpleflying.com/charter-airline-airexplore-bought-by-avia-solutions-group/
  51. https://airexplore.aero/the-role-acmi-plays-in-making-air-travel-more-sustainable/
  52. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/avia-solutions-group_aviasolutionsgroup-aviation-airexplore-activity-7252306123284746241-IWXn
  53. https://aviasg.com/en/investor-relations/aviation-safety
  54. https://aviasg.com/en/media/our-news/airexplore/airexplore-adds-an-additional-b737-800-to-its-fleet
  55. https://avherald.com/h?article=4e421c4f
  56. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/27420-captain-child-sits-during-flight
  57. https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/airexplore-737-800-suffers-runway-excursion-in-rain-at-krakow/164501.article
  58. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ceba41
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