Av8jet launches Maltese-based charter operation

U.K.-based business aircraft services provider Av8jet has launched Av8jet Charter in Malta following receipt of an EASA air operator certificate (AOC).  A Piaggio Avanti II P.180 is the first aircraft to be added to the AOC.

Sporting a new interior fitted by AeroVisto Interior Services in Switzerland, Av8jet Charter officials said the Avanti is an ideal aircraft for charter in Europe because it has a cabin size similar in height and width to a Hawker jet but requires 40% less fuel for comparable speed and distances.  "With a reduced carbon footprint, the P.180 is perfect as sustainability now becomes important for us all," the company said.

Based at Bournemouth IAP and founded in 2006, Av8jet specializes in jet aircraft sales, acquisitions, and management. Av8jet also has developed its own proprietary software for safety management systems, fatigue safety management, flight scheduling, document control, and an e-learning training platform for EASA Part CAT (commercial air transport) and NCC (non-commercial) operations.

(Source: ainonline.com, 27-Jul-2021)

Hi Fly adds one more Airbus A330-300 to its fleet

Hi Fly airline announces the addition of one more Airbus A330-300 to its fleet. It was exactly 14:40 local time when the aircraft, serial number 1779 and registered 9H-HFA, touched down at Beja Airport, flown in from Malta by Commander Carlos Mirpuri.

With comfortable interiors, warm colours and a relaxed atmosphere, the aircraft seats 249 passengers in a two-class configuration (46 high comfort business class seats with flatbeds and 203 economy seats).

Business Class offers a new design of flatbed that’s almost 2 metres long when fully extended. With an updated cabin layout, each of these seats has increased privacy, individual aisle access and offer even more personal stowage, in a luxurious new cabin.

Economy Class is fitted with newly designed, slim-line seats, all with extra personal space and generous legroom for travelling comfort. Each seat is fitted with an individual screen, USB charging ports, and access to shared PC power points.

All seats have installed the last generation inflight entertainment RAVE IFE System (Generation 3) from Safran Passenger Innovations. Business Class seats are fitted with a 15-inch screen, whilst each Economy Class seats have its own 10-inch screen, both high-tech touchscreens easy to use.

The A330 is the most modern and reliable family of aircraft in the sky, providing a quality solution for every route, with an operational efficiency of 99.4%. This new addition to Hi Fly’s fleet is equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent engines and state-of-the-art technology and finishing, with a maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes.

The aircraft will also be available to customers in the cargo version, offering a volume capacity of 250m3 and a maximum cargo capacity of 53.500kg, with a maximum range of 11.400km and Etops 180 min.

This combination of volume, payload and range makes the A330 a unique product in the marketplace for the transport of cargo, when the availability of freighters is not enough to cover the market needs. As a modern jetliner with advanced Airbus technology that includes fly-by-wire flight controls, this A330-300 wide-body offers a highly capable platform for cargo flights.

(Source: aviation24.be, 22-Jul-2021)

Italian AF EF-2000 for 2021 Malta International Airshow

The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana) will be participating with more types than any other country at the Malta Int'l Airshow 2021.  The Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon will grace the static display at Luqa together with the Italian AF's AMX and Tornado.

The AMI flies over 90 Typhoons mainly in the air defence role and a squadron of them resides in Trapani which is responsible for the Southern part of Italy's air defence and sits on Quick Reaction Alert 24/7 all through the year.

The Airshow Team is proud and appreciative of the Italian AF's support for the Malta International Airshow 2021

(Source: maltairshow.com, 21-Jul-2021)

Flexjet secures Maltese AOC

Fractional fleet operator Flexjet, part of the Directional Aviation family, has been awarded an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for Malta, as it continues to expand its European operation.  

The move marks an important milestone in the company's international expansion plan, which has seen its fleet of aircraft grow in Europe by 40% alone in 2021.

Flexjet's new Malta Operational Centre, situated in the heart of Sliema, complements its existing European headquarters in London's Mayfair; Tactical Control Centre in St Albans, U.K.; and its aircraft maintenance facility based in Milan, Italy.

The new AOC gives Flexjet more operational reach as it extends its offering to a growing number of European Owners and premium programme clients.

The fractional fleet operator has selected an Embraer Legacy 500 as the first aircraft to operate under the new registration.  The midsize jet offers a range of up to 5,793-km, or around six hours flight time, and is part of the company's prestigious and growing fleet in Europe.

M. Eugène, Flexjet European Managing Director, said: "Flexjet Owners are flying an increasing variety of routes within Europe and beyond, and our Maltese AOC allows us more reach and additional operational flexibility.  We enjoyed working closely in partnership with Transport Malta's Civil Aviation Directorate, who share our commitment to the highest standards of safety and compliance.  

"I am also delighted to establish our new regional Operational Centre within the professional Maltese aviation community, which will undoubtedly prove an important asset as we continue to grow Flexjet throughout Europe.  Our first 9H-registration for Flexjet is an important milestone, and one that we plan to build upon over the coming months."

(Source: businesswire.com, 21-Jul-2021)

Malta MedAir to launch Pristina flights

Maltese airline Malta MedAir will commence operations from the Maltese island to Pristina (Kosovo).  The carrier will operate a one weekly service, each Saturday, from Aug. 7th.

Flights will be operated by the Airbus A320 aircraft and will mark the first time Pristina has boasted scheduled nonstop flights to Malta.  Tickets are on sale through the airline’s website.  

It is believed the aircraft will operate charters on behalf of local tour operators from Pristina to other mainland European destinations as well. 

(Source: exyuaviation.com, 19-Jul-2021)