Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson has jokingly suggested he would love to play a gig at Malta’s megalithic temples one day.

“Everyone knows we’ll be going on tour again next year,” Mr Dickinson told journalists earlier today. “Where we go remains to be seen, but I certainly wouldn’t object to coming to Malta, and I don’t think [bassist] Steve Harris would either.”

Mr Dickinson was in Malta today to confirm final certification details with Transport Malta for the setting up of a new ACMI airline, which will lease aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance to other airlines or businesses.

The Air Operations Certificate (AOC) signed with Transport Malta allows the new venture, VVB, to operate as an EASA-class airline.

A qualified pilot, Mr Dickinson has flown commercial plans for 16 years, while still touring and recording with legendary rock band Iron Maiden, whom he first joined in 1981. He is also the chairman of Cardiff Aviation, which he set up in 2012.

“The authorities in Malta have been world-class and eager to support our entrepreneurial approach to aviation,” Mr Dickinson said. “We look forward to a successful start to our operations and thank them for their support and their confidence in our new airline.”