German Navy FGS S80 Hyaene calls at Valletta Port

The German Navy Gepard-class fast-patrol boat FGS S80 Hyaene (P 6130) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this evening on a courtesy visit. 

The German fast-patrol boat is presently berthed alongside at Pinto-3 wharf, and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour in the coming days after a short stay. (21-Jul-2015)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register update

Transport Malta/Directorate of Civil Aviation published today the latest update of the Maltese Aircraft Register.

New addition/s: 

• 9H-MRQ - Learjet 35A (c/n. 429), registered to Agrevia Holdings Ltd., Greece
• 9H-LJE - Learjet 60 (c/n. 362), registered to Hyperion Aviation Ltd. (ex N306KR)
• 9H-BOO - Bombardier Challenger 850 (c/n. 8051), registered to Air X Charter Ltd. (ex VP-BSD)
• 9H-VVB - Boeing B737-400 (c/n. 24901/1854), registered to VVB Aviation Malta Ltd. (ex 9H-HER)

Cancellation/s: 

• 9H-HER - Boeing B737-400 (c/n. 24901/1854), registered to Aerotron Ltd., U.K. (rrg 9H-VVB) 
• 9H-MOS - Beechraft Corp C90GTi (c/n. LJ-1984), registered to Oasis Flight Malta Ltd.

(Source: Transport Malta, 10-Jul-2015)

VVB Aviation set to secure Maltese AOC

VVB Aviation is set to secure a Maltese Air Operators Certificate (AOC) as part of plans to enter the European ACMI/charter market. Earlier this week, Bruce Dickinson, the CEO of Cardiff Aviation which owns a 50% stake in VVB, met with Transport Malta officials to confirm final certification details for the airline.

“Transport Malta has played a crucial role in enabling VVB to take off in fixed-wing operations," he said. "With AOC details now confirmed and our first aircraft about to be deployed, Cardiff Aviation is now moving from maintenance and training to full aviation operations.”

VVB has already sourced a B737-400 which will commence ACMI operations upon receipt of its AOC. At least two more aircraft will be added before the end of the current quarter. (Source: ch-aviation.com, 10-Jul-2015)

Maltese trainee pilot in emergency landing in Sicily

A trainee pilot with the European Pilot Academy had to perform an emergency landing in Vizzini, Sicily, this morning at around 0915lt. The pilot, who it is understood was on his solo flight, was not injured. The academy confirmed the incident but would not say what led to it. It said arrangements were being made for the pilot and the aircraft to be brought to Malta. It would not say what damage was suffered by the aircraft. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 8-Jul-2015)

Armed Forces of Malta to have a third AW-139 helo

The Armed Forces of Malta will soon have its third helicopter, as the government has signed a contract for a €14 million deal part of which will be financed by the European Union. The contract was signed last week, Home Affairs Minister C. Abela announced this morning during a passing out parade of 70 new AFM recruits. (Source: independent.com.mt, 6-Jul-2015

Irish Naval Service LE Eithne calls at Valletta Port

The Irish Naval Service patrol vessel LE Eithne (P 31) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit. This is her second visit in Valletta Port this year.

LE Eithne is currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea as part of European Union's Joint-Operation Triton overseen by Frontex.

The Irish patrol vessel is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-5 wharf and she's expected to sail from Malta in the coming days after brief stay. (6-Jul-2015)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register update

Transport Malta/Directorate of Civil Aviation published today the latest update of the Maltese Aircraft Register.

New addition/s: 

• 9H-VCJ - Bombardier Challenger 350 (c/n. 2056), registered to VistaJet Ltd.
• 9H-VJM - Bombardier Global 6000 (c/n. 9630), registered to VistaJet Ltd. (ex C-GYRF)

Cancellation/s: none

(Source: Transport Malta, 1-Jul-2015)

SWISS launches flight operations to Malta IAP

Swiss International Airlines has launched flight operations between Zurich and Malta IAP today. The first scheduled flight, operated with an Airbus A320 (HB-IJB), landed at Malta IAP around 1430lt. The aircraft was welcomed by a celebratory water arch from Malta IAP's fire and rescue team. SWISS will be operating four weekly flights between Zurich and Malta IAP, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. (1-Jul-2015)