Malta-based private air charter company AirX was entrusted by the International Olympic Committee to transport the Olympic torch on the first leg of its world-renowned journey that will culminate at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The Olympic torch is following a three-and-a-half-month journey from the birthplace of the Olympic Games – Olympia – travelling through several cities and islands in Greece, through Switzerland before reaching its final destination in the 2016 host country, Brazil.

The Olympic flame burning within a special air transport safety container on board AirX aircraft.

Following an evocative lighting ceremony in Athens on April 21 in Olympia, the torch embarked on a seven-day relay across Greece. The torchbearer in Athens was Ibrahim Al-Hussein, a Syrian refugee who lost part of his right leg in a bomb attack in 2012. He carried the torch on behalf of all refugees through the Eleonas refugee and migrant camp.

AirX was contracted to transport the Olympic torch from Athens to Geneva – the first international point of call, home to the seat of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum in Lausanne where the torch was on display prior to its journey.

John B. Matthews, chairman of AirX, said: “Of all the trips we make and the destinations we take people, it has been such a pleasure to be part of a voyage where the journey itself has meant so much. It gives me great pride to be part of these momentous games and we at AirX are honoured to have been chosen.”

The Olympic flame now joins a very long list of VIPs and famous passengers who choose AirX for their private air charter requirements. This particularly fiery client was housed in a ‘Davy Lamp’, nestled securely on a high comfort seat and accompanied by an entourage trained in the use of fire extinguishers which fortunately were not required at any stage.

Operating out of its head office at the Cottonera Waterfront in Malta, AirX is now recognised among the best air charter companies in the world. Earlier this year, the influential online magazine Billionaire.com listed AirX among the top 10 private air charter companies out of 831 operators worldwide. Noted as a newcomer on the scene, the article highlighted AirX’s “excellent service and high safety standards” adding that “it is no wonder AirX is fast becoming a favourite of the jet set”.

AirX provides private charter flights across Europe to clients who normally include A-list celebrities, such as Hollywood movie stars, pop artists, royal families, top corporate executives, sport teams and government ministers. The company obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Directorate and Transport Malta in May 2013.

AirX is currently expanding its fleet and workforce as part of a strategic growth plan to become the leading private air charter operator in Europe and beyond.

Employing 160 personnel, including 25 Maltese staff, AirX operates 13 aircraft: three Boeing 737 aircraft, three Legacy 600, five Challenger 850, and two Cessna Citation X. Seventy-seven per cent of the Company’s fleet is registered on the Maltese aviation register.

www.airx.aero