KlasJet
KlasJet is a Lithuanian charter airline founded in 2013, specializing in premium private jet charter services for corporate, VIP, and group travel worldwide.[1] Headquartered in Vilnius International Airport (VNO), the company operates as a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, which manages over 221 aircraft across six continents and serves more than 2,000 global clients as of 2022.[1][2][3][4] KlasJet's services include bespoke corporate charters tailored for high-profile clients such as sports teams, celebrities, and government delegations, featuring customized interiors, VIP terminal access, fine dining, and handling of non-standard cargo like animals or valuables; it also provides ACMI leasing solutions launched in 2023, enabling airlines to outsource operational needs.[5][6] The airline's fleet, as of November 2025, comprises 8 Boeing 737 aircraft variants—including modified 737-300, 737-500, and 737-800 models configured for luxury business-class seating capacities of 10 to 68 passengers—designed for flexibility in short- and long-haul flights with an emphasis on privacy, comfort, and efficiency.[7][8][9][10] Notable expansions include partnerships for seasonal ACMI contracts, such as with Air Cairo in 2025 for routes between Italy and the UAE, and a strategic entry into the Asian market by basing an aircraft in Singapore starting in the fourth quarter of 2025 to capitalize on growing luxury travel demand.[11][12]History
Founding and Early Development
KlasJet was established on October 9, 2013, as Verslo skrydžiai UAB, a Lithuanian joint-stock company specializing in aviation services.[13] Headquartered in Vilnius, the company initially concentrated on providing charter services for business-class flights, operating primarily out of Vilnius International Airport to cater to corporate and private clients seeking efficient regional and international travel options.[14] This focus positioned it within the growing European market for premium charter aviation, emphasizing reliability and customized passenger experiences amid increasing demand for flexible air travel solutions.[15] In its preparatory phase, KlasJet acquired its initial aircraft, including a Bombardier Challenger 850 and a Bombardier CRJ200, both configured with unique business-class interiors to support group charters and executive transport.[16] These acquisitions laid the groundwork for commercial operations, with the company undergoing rigorous regulatory preparations to obtain necessary certifications. On July 1, 2014, KlasJet received its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Lithuanian Civil Aviation Administration, enabling it to formally enter the European charter market and commence scheduled flights.[17] During its first year of operations in 2014 and into 2015, KlasJet encountered initial challenges typical of a new entrant in the competitive charter sector, including navigating regulatory hurdles and building client trust in a market disrupted by commercial aviation delays and cancellations.[15] Despite these obstacles, the company experienced steady growth, driven by rising regional demand for private charters as executives sought alternatives to unreliable scheduled services, which had resulted in significant costs and frustrations for travelers.[15] This period marked the foundation for KlasJet's expansion, with early flights highlighting its commitment to punctuality and high-end service in the mid-2010s European aviation landscape.[14]Expansion and Key Milestones
In 2016, KlasJet marked its entry into the private aviation sector by adding its first VIP-configured jet, the Hawker 800XP, to its fleet, enabling expanded charter services for business and leisure clients across Europe.[18] This addition followed the company's initial focus on smaller regional aircraft and represented a strategic pivot toward midsize luxury operations, accommodating up to eight passengers with a refurbished interior for enhanced comfort.[19] Post-2020, KlasJet pursued aggressive fleet growth to support its diversification into wet-leasing and charter markets, announcing plans to acquire up to 15 Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft in economy configuration for ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services, alongside three additional VIP jets to bolster its premium portfolio.[20] By late 2022, the company had integrated eight Boeing 737-800s into operations, with the full expansion targeting completion by 2023 to meet rising demand for flexible capacity solutions amid global aviation recovery.[21] This buildup significantly expanded KlasJet's fleet, reaching approximately 14 aircraft by 2025, positioning it as a key player in both VIP charters and commercial leasing.[8] KlasJet launched ACMI operations in February 2022, coinciding with the Boeing 737 additions, and began implementing seasonal fleet repositioning between Europe and the Middle East to capitalize on peak travel periods.[22] These shifts, which involve relocating aircraft to high-demand regions during summer in Europe and winter in the Middle East, allow for optimized utilization and responsiveness to client needs, such as tour operators and airlines facing capacity shortages.[23] The ACMI segment experienced significant growth, with operations surging 134% year-over-year; in 2024, KlasJet conducted nearly 5,000 flights from May to October, logging over 14,000 block hours across seven Boeing 737s for various international clients.[24] This peak-season performance underscored the model's scalability, driven by summer leisure demand in Europe. Key partnerships further accelerated expansion, including a May 2024 ACMI agreement with Sundor by EL AL Israel Airlines to lease Boeing 737-800s for charter services to leisure destinations, which was extended starting April 2025 for two years with additional aircraft deployments.[25] In 2022, parent company Avia Solutions Group provided €300,000 in aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.[26] In 2025, KlasJet signed an ACMI agreement with Air Cairo to operate routes connecting Italy, the UAE, and Egypt, enhancing regional connectivity.[11] The company also expanded into the Asian market by basing a Boeing 737 in Singapore starting in the fourth quarter, targeting growing demand for luxury group travel. Additionally, in May 2025, KlasJet established operational bases in Berlin and Cologne, Germany, to strengthen its European presence and support increasing charter demand in the region.[12][27]Corporate Structure
Ownership and Headquarters
KlasJet operates as a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, which offers leasing and management support to enhance its operational capabilities.[1][28] The company is headquartered at Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania, a location it has maintained since its establishment in 2013 to facilitate efficient charter and ACMI services.[29] Legally structured as UAB "KlasJet," a Lithuanian limited liability company, it holds the registration code 303163347 and is wholly owned by its parent entity.[30] KlasJet's management is led by CEO Justinas Bulka, supported by key executives such as Head of Human Resources Sandra Diaso, overseeing a lean structure focused on aviation expertise and client service.[31][32] The organization employs around 100 staff in office-based roles, enabling agile decision-making and growth in specialized aviation operations.[33] Financially, KlasJet has seen steady revenue expansion linked to rising demand for private charter flights and ACMI contracts, reflecting broader trends in premium air travel without disclosing precise figures.[34]Partnerships and Global Presence
KlasJet operates as a key component within the Avia Solutions Group ecosystem, the world's largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, benefiting from shared resources such as comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services across the group's global network.[35] This integration enables KlasJet to leverage Avia Solutions Group's extensive infrastructure, including EASA-approved Part-145 certifications for Boeing 737 maintenance, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with international standards.[36] The company has forged strategic partnerships to enhance its ACMI engagements and route capabilities, notably with Sundor by EL AL Group, the leisure arm of Israel's EL AL airline. Initiated in May 2024, this collaboration has expanded multiple times, including a two-year lease of Boeing 737-800 aircraft starting in 2025 to support Sundor's operations on Middle East routes.[37][25] These agreements provide tailored ACMI solutions, allowing KlasJet to contribute to EL AL's growth in regional leisure travel while maintaining high service standards.[38] To bolster its international footprint, KlasJet established a base in Dubai in 2023, focusing on winter operations to meet demand in the Middle East market with a dedicated Boeing 737 deployment.[39] In 2025, the company reallocated a Boeing 737 to Malpensa Airport, establishing a base there to address growing European VIP charter needs, particularly from sports teams and corporate clients.[40] Furthering its Asian expansion that year, KlasJet announced plans for a Singapore office to support regional sales and basing of aircraft, targeting markets in South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.[12][41] In June 2025, KlasJet secured IATA membership, demonstrating compliance with global safety and operational standards.[42] Through these initiatives, KlasJet has developed a global charter network spanning Europe, the Middle East, and emerging Asian markets, facilitating seamless ACMI leases and private jet services across continents.[43][11]Operations
Services and Business Model
KlasJet specializes in providing premium charter services, including business-class charters, private jet hires, group flights, and VIP air charters tailored for high-profile clients. These offerings emphasize flexibility and customization for non-scheduled operations, allowing clients to book flights on demand without adhering to fixed routes or timetables. The airline operates under the ICAO code KLJ, with IATA code KJ, and uses the call sign "CLASS LINE" for communications.[44][45][46] At the core of KlasJet's business model is ACMI leasing, which encompasses aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance provided on a wet-lease basis, particularly for seasonal demands faced by other airlines and tour operators. Launched in 2023, this service enables partners to scale capacity efficiently during peak periods, such as summer expansions or ad-hoc requirements, while KlasJet handles operational logistics. The model complements its charter operations by utilizing the same fleet across both segments, optimizing resource allocation and revenue diversification.[34][44] KlasJet prioritizes bespoke luxury experiences for its charter and VIP services, configuring those aircraft exclusively in business-class layouts to deliver superior comfort and privacy. These Boeing 737 variants are outfitted for up to 104 passengers in spacious, high-end interiors featuring widened seats, premium materials, and amenities like enhanced cushioning and generous legroom. This focus on exclusivity sets KlasJet apart in the premium aviation sector, catering to clients seeking elevated travel standards. ACMI operations, in contrast, use high-density economy configurations.[47][8] Revenue streams derive primarily from charter bookings for corporate events, professional sports teams, and elite group travel, alongside ACMI leasing contracts that address fluctuating airline needs. For instance, KlasJet has secured partnerships with major sports organizations, providing dedicated flights that include athlete-specific menus and seamless logistics to enhance performance and convenience. ACMI operations experienced significant expansion, with a 134% surge in block hours during the May-to-October period compared to the prior year, alongside overall threefold growth in 2024 block hours exceeding 20,000.[48][40][24][34]Destinations and Seasonal Activities
KlasJet maintains its primary year-round hub at Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania, serving as the operational base for its charter flights across Europe and beyond. During the winter season, the airline establishes a key base in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to support increased demand in the Middle East for ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations and VIP charters. This seasonal relocation allows KlasJet to capitalize on regional events and tourism, with aircraft shifting back to European locations in spring to prepare for summer surges.[49] The airline's charter destinations primarily span Europe, the Middle East, and ad-hoc worldwide routes tailored to client needs. In Europe, KlasJet focuses on high-demand locations such as Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy, where it bases aircraft for VIP services catering to sports teams and leisure travelers. Middle Eastern operations include routes to Tel Aviv, Israel, facilitated through its partnership with EL AL Israel Airlines, enabling seamless connectivity for corporate and leisure passengers. Worldwide ad-hoc flights extend to various global points, emphasizing flexibility in private aviation.[40][50] In 2025, KlasJet intensified its Asian expansion by basing an aircraft in Singapore during the final quarter, targeting commercial potential in the region. Charters from this hub connect to key destinations including South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, supporting growing demand for premium private flights amid regional economic growth. This move aligns with the airline's strategy to diversify beyond traditional European and Middle Eastern markets.[12][41] Seasonal activities drive KlasJet's operational patterns, with fleet relocations optimizing resource allocation. For instance, in October 2025, a Boeing 737 was repositioned to Dubai to resume winter ACMI services, enhancing capacity for Middle Eastern routes during peak tourism months. Conversely, the summer season sees a surge in European leisure charters, with aircraft dedicated to high-frequency flights for events and vacations. These shifts enable the airline to respond dynamically to market demands.[49] Notable examples of KlasJet's operations include charter flights to cricket venues such as Dubai International Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, supporting events like the Asia Cup 2025. The airline also provides dedicated services for European football matches, including UEFA competitions, transporting teams and fans to host cities for efficient, customized travel. These event-specific charters highlight KlasJet's role in facilitating high-profile sporting activities.[51][52]Fleet
Current Aircraft
KlasJet's active fleet as of November 2025 comprises approximately 14 Boeing 737 narrow-body aircraft, all owned or leased under its parent company Avia Solutions Group.[10][53] The fleet supports both VIP charter operations and ACMI leasing, emphasizing flexibility for medium- to long-haul routes with configurations ranging from luxury interiors to high-density economy layouts.[54] The Boeing 737-300 variants, numbering two units, are configured for 50-60 passengers in a VIP setup, suitable for medium-haul charters; one example is LY-CHF, nicknamed "Mist."[8] These aircraft provide comfortable cabins for corporate and leisure groups.[55] KlasJet operates three Boeing 737-500s, each accommodating up to 104 passengers with a cabin height of 2.3 meters, ideal for larger charter groups; notable examples include LY-FLT ("Wind"), LY-JMS ("Snowfall"), and LY-KDT ("Sunset").[8][56] These older models offer reliable performance for regional and transcontinental flights.[53] The narrow-body Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) series forms the backbone of the ACMI operations, with eight Boeing 737-800s providing efficient capacity for up to 189 passengers in economy configuration.[53][36] These jets support high-utilization leasing contracts across Europe and beyond.[54] In 2025, KlasJet expanded its VIP offerings with the addition of one Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2), a long-range variant of the 737-800 configured for luxury private charters accommodating smaller elite groups.[53] This aircraft enhances capabilities for extended international routes with premium amenities.[53]| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Configuration Examples | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-300 | 2 | 50-60 VIP seats | Medium-haul charters |
| Boeing 737-500 | 3 | Up to 104 seats | Larger group charters |
| Boeing 737-800 | 8 | Up to 189 economy seats | ACMI leasing |
| Boeing Business Jet 2 | 1 | Luxury private | Long-range VIP charters |