AirExplore partners with FL Technics Wheels & Brakes

Slovakia largest airline, AirExplore, signed a strategic agreement with FL Technics Wheels & Brakes for landing gear components maintenance.The long-term contract will cover part of AirExplore’s fleet, which has grown from 9 to 16 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2024. The partnership leverages FL Technics’ extensive European network of four specialised Wheels and Brakes facilities located in Vilnius, Budapest, Hanover, and Bergamo. Such wide coverage ensures timely support and reduced turnaround times for AirExplore's operations across the continent.

Martin Stulajter, CEO of AirExplore commented: “We were looking to increase cost efficiency and reliability in our wheels and brakes maintenance and FL Technics’ solution has proven more suitable for our type of operation than our previous provider. The power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreement introduces a risk-sharing approach, which should deliver reliable service at a lower cost than before.”

Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics, commented: “AirExplore’s trust in our Wheels and Brakes services validates our strategy of building Europe’s most comprehensive MRO network. Their rapid growth and operational demands perfectly match our capabilities to provide flexible, cost-effective maintenance solutions across multiple strategically located hubs.”

According to Mr. Stulajter, for AirExplore, which operates on an ACMI principle and has all of its passenger fleet leased out for the 2025 summer season, reliability is of utmost importance. The airline’s recent rapid expansion across both passenger and cargo segments necessitated an MRO partner capable of supporting its growth trajectory while maintaining cost effectiveness.

The collaboration aligns with both companies' commitment to efficiency and sustainability. The presence of FL Technics in key locations reduces transportation distances, helping clients lower emissions and costs associated with component maintenance.