Flexjet Europe is expanding its reach in the Old Continent with the receipt of an air operator certificate (AOC) for Malta. The AOC comes as Flexjet has expanded its fleet by 40 percent in Europe year-to-date. Flexjet Europe established a new operational center in Malta in Sliema, building on its headquarters in the London Mayfair district; tactical control center in St. Albans, UK; and maintenance facility in Milan, Italy.
An Embraer Legacy 500 is the first Flexjet aircraft to operate under the Malta (9H) registration. Flexjet further operates the super-midsize Embraer Praetor 600 in Europe, providing range for its clients to fly to the U.S. East Coast and the Middle East, it said.
Flexjet’s European operation has grown rapidly since its launch in late 2019 through investment in infrastructure, crew, and aircraft that were part of a $1.4 billion order. Its European fleet operations were further bolstered by Flexjet parent Directional Aviation’s acquisition of UK-based helicopter operator Halo Aviation in May and the closer integration of charter provider PrivateFly.
“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,” said Marine Eugène, Flexjet European managing director. “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.”
Eugène added that the new Malta operational center 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.”