Avion Express Malta, a subsidiary airline of the largest narrow-body ACMI operator in the world Avion Express, has received FAOC (Foreign Air Carrier Certificate) from Transport Canada, issued by the Minister of Transport on the 1st of November.

Avion Express Malta has started its operations in May and had been flying for Europe’s third-largest low-cost airline Norwegian Air for the whole summer season.

At the same time, new business areas for newly established Avion Express Malta had been explored and tabs were kept on the promising region across the Atlantic. Acquiring a FAOC becomes a significant milestone for a young Malta-based company, as the certificate serves as a prerequisite to air operators seeking to conduct an air transport service to and from Canada.

“Obtaining the permit to operate in the Canadian market is another important step in our consistent business development plan. We’ve been exploring the market and discussing cooperation opportunities with Canadian airlines for Avion Express Malta for a while now, and we are happy to complete another strategic move forward” – said Darius Kajokas, CEO of Avion Express and Avion Express Malta.

Operations in Canada under a wet-lease agreement require lessor to hold a Canadian foreign air operator certificate. While Avion Express had been using the advantage of holding FAOC since 2014 already, this was an initial application on behalf of Avion Express Malta. Consequently, being approved compliant with the high standards opens new opportunities for the Maltese airline as well.