Baltic Ground Services (BGS) has secured a new contract to provide ground handling and into-plane fueling services for Arkia Israeli Airlines at Vilnius Airport (VNO). The agreement, announced June 17, 2026, supports Arkia’s direct flights between Vilnius and Tel Aviv, a route that launched in May 2026 and currently operates three times weekly. This partnership marks the first time the two companies have collaborated, according to BGS Group.
How airline-ground handler partnerships shape new route viability
Launching a new international route requires more than just aircraft and passengers; it demands a reliable local ground support infrastructure. According to Meital Dahan Mizrahi, V.P. Ground Operations & Customer Service Manager at Arkia, establishing local partnerships is essential when an airline enters a new market. By outsourcing ground services to an established provider like BGS, airlines can ensure consistent operational standards without the capital expenditure of setting up their own ground crews at every destination.
Why the Vilnius-Tel Aviv corridor is growing
The Vilnius-Tel Aviv route is part of a broader trend of expanding air connectivity between Lithuania and the Middle East. Data from BGS indicates that the route is currently operating on a seasonal basis, capitalizing on summer travel demand. Vitalis Dudys, Head of Commerce at BGS Group, stated that the company views the arrival of new carriers as a critical milestone in the post-pandemic recovery of air connectivity. As passenger volumes rise, the demand for specialized ground services—such as aircraft de-icing in winter or high-speed refueling—becomes a competitive advantage for airports looking to attract more international carriers.
Future trends in ground handling and airport logistics
The aviation industry is shifting toward highly integrated service models. BGS, which operates across 10 airports in five countries, is a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, a massive conglomerate that manages a fleet of 136 aircraft and provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. This vertical integration allows providers to offer “bundled” services, where ground handling is just one piece of a larger logistical support package. This trend is likely to continue as airlines seek to streamline operations by working with fewer, more capable partners that can handle everything from crew training to complex aircraft maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does BGS provide to Arkia Israeli Airlines?
BGS provides comprehensive ground handling and into-plane fueling services for Arkia at Vilnius Airport.
How often does Arkia fly between Vilnius and Tel Aviv?
As of June 2026, Arkia operates the route three times per week during the summer season, according to company reports.
Is this the first time BGS and Arkia have worked together?
Yes, BGS confirmed that this partnership represents the first time the two organizations have established a cooperation agreement.
What is the role of Avia Solutions Group in this partnership?
BGS is a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, which provides the broader infrastructure, including maintenance and crew training, that supports the ground handling operations performed at individual airports.
Are you interested in the latest developments in European aviation? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for updates on new routes and ground handling agreements.
Keep reading