European Air Charter

Bulgarian Air Charter

The airline was established in 2000 under the name Bulgarian Air Charter and began operations on 14 December 2000. During its early years, the company operated charter services mainly from Bulgarian airports to leisure destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Bulgarian Air Charter initially operated Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft, later replacing them with McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series aircraft. The airline expanded its fleet during the 2000s and 2010s and became one of the last European operators of the McDonnell Douglas MD-82.

In 2015, the airline introduced the Airbus A320 family into its fleet, beginning a gradual transition from MD-80 series aircraft to Airbus narrowbody operations.

European Air Charter

In May 2021, Bulgarian Air Charter changed its commercial name to European Air Charter. The rebranding reflected the company’s broader international activity and its growing focus on wet lease and ACMI services.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline increased its focus on ACMI operations. Its ACMI and wet lease activities include the provision of aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance to partner airlines, while the contracting airline retains responsibility for scheduling and commercial operations.

In October 2023, European Air Charter retired its remaining McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft, completing the transition to an all-Airbus A320 fleet. The airline has since continued to expand its Airbus A320 fleet in line with its ACMI, wet lease and charter operations.

Operations

European Air Charter operates primarily as an ACMI and wet lease provider, while also offering charter and on-demand flight services for airlines and tour operators. Its operations include seasonal capacity, short- and medium-haul flying, and dedicated charter services across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and other international destinations.

The airline has operated ACMI partnerships with carriers including Condor, GP Aviation, BlueBird, TUS Airways. Its ACMI model provides aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, while partner airlines manage the commercial and scheduling aspects of the operation.

The airline’s crews are trained according to EASA requirements and partner airline procedures. Training includes recurrent safety training, Crew Resource Management and service-specific preparation for partner operations.

Fleet

Current fleet

As of June 2026, European Air Charter operates an all-Airbus A320 fleet: