Air operators showing high interest in Malta
One of Europe’s largest jet operators will be chartering its aircraft from Malta, after being granted the air operator’s certificate by the transport authority. Hangar8, the world’s largest charter operator of Hawker aircraft, has acquired a base in...
One of Europe’s largest jet operators will be chartering its aircraft from Malta, after being granted the air operator’s certificate by the transport authority.
Hangar8, the world’s largest charter operator of Hawker aircraft, has acquired a base in Malta. The company will operate as the newly registered aviation company Maleth Aero and will be based at Skyparks Business Centre.
The air operator’s certificate gives the company permission to use its fleet in Malta on a commercial basis.
Established in 2002, Hangar8 now operates 30 private jets of different sizes and offers a range of services including short European hops and trans-continental voyages. Its clients hail from a wide variety of backgrounds including music, sport and corporate.
“Malta has positioned itself as a service-oriented and tax efficient jurisdiction to own and operate aircraft and is seen as an attractive home for new owners,” Chief Executive of Hangar8 Malta, Michael O’Brien, said during the ceremony of the Malta base acquisition.
Transport Minister Austin Gatt said Transport Malta was also reporting notable interest from air operators to relocate their business to the island and was currently processing more than 30 requests from international business aviation operators.
During 2011 – the first complete year after the new aircraft register legislation was introduced – Malta registered a 21 per cent increase in registered aircraft.