In a move, that will be considered as a direct competition to Malta Air - the low-cost venture between Ryanair and the Government of Malta , Wizz Air comes forward with an intention of a new airline in Malta.
Today , Wizz Air announced that based on the ‘Arrangement on Reallocation of Responsibility’ document signed today between the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”) and the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (“CAD”) , it intends to file an application for its Maltese subsidiary to be granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (“AOC”) with EASA and an Operating Licence (“OL”) with CAD.
Wizz air wants to act fast as Europe is opening up and travel demand grows by Day ! Subject to confirmation of its AOC and OL from the EASA and CAD , Wizz Air Malta may begin operations in October 2022 with Malta-registered aircraft.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi : Launched in December 2020 , Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is a joint venture established between ADQ and Wizz Air Holdings plc , with a fleet composed of four brand new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Wizz Air Chief Executive Officer , József Váradi said :
“We are pleased to announce our intention to establish a new airline subsidiary in Malta. Wizz Air is constantly evaluating the structure of its business and exploring options to establish new AOC’s and bases in Europe and beyond."
"The successful establishment of Wizz Air Malta later this year will help to reinforce our strong position and support our expansion plans in Europe. We look forward to working with EASA and the Maltese CAA to take this application forward.”
Wizz Air has also signed a preliminary agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment to explore opportunities in the Kingdom , as the aviation sector recovers from the pandemic.
Patrick Ky, Executive Director of EASA, said:
“This will be a new step in the already well-established cooperation between the Agency, the Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate and Wizz Air."
"This new set-up, where one group will operate multiple AOCs based in different Member States, but overseen by the same Competent Authority, demonstrates the possibilities available through the transfer of responsibilities to EASA.
"We are looking forward to working together on the issuance of this brand-new AOC and the subsequent oversight activities.”
Capt. Charles Pace, Director General of the Civil Aviation Directorate Malta, stated:
“It is an honour to have Wizz Air as one of the Airlines selecting Malta as one of their Principal Places of Business. The team effort and approach of CAD has once again been proven to be a winning formula.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the CEO and Board of Wizz Air for their trust, and I look forward to working with EASA and Wizz Air in issuing the AOC and AOL.”
