Air Vitosha Launches Learjet 31A as AOC Pursuit Begins
Air Vitosha is making headlines in the aviation industry with the recent addition of its first executive jet—a refurbished Learjet 31A (ER). This strategic move comes as the Maltese carrier works diligently to secure its air operator’s certificate (AOC) in Malta, an essential step for expanding its flight operations in Europe.
The Learjet 31A, bearing the registration 9H-THB and an impressive 24.3 years of service, has been meticulously refurbished before entering the Air Vitosha fleet. With a seating capacity for up to six passengers, the jet offers both comfort and performance, meeting the high standards expected from an executive aircraft. The aircraft marked its renewed operational debut on February 20, 2025, with a test flight circling the Cologne/Bonn region—a clear sign that the company is gearing up for a new era of service.
Before joining Air Vitosha, the Learjet was operated by Greece’s Epsilon Aviation under the registration SX-MTS. Its most recent flight under the GRV code took place on May 7, 2024, connecting Athens and Cologne/Bonn. Epsilon Aviation, known for its extensive operations with Learjet models, still retains two Learjet 35As in its fleet. One of these jets, registered in Greece, continues to operate, while the other, based in Malta, has been stationed at Cologne/Bonn since October 28, 2023.
Founded on November 12, 2024, in Malta, Air Vitosha is co-owned by French nationals Philippe Penari and Mehdi Rahimi, who each hold a 50% stake in the company. Their vision for the airline is clear: to establish a strong presence in the European aviation market by meeting and exceeding regulatory standards. The ongoing pursuit of the Maltese AOC is expected to be concluded in the first half of 2025, which will enable Air Vitosha to offer regular and charter flights with the highest safety and service standards.
Air Vitosha’s expansion is not limited to Malta alone. The airline is part of the broader Air Vitosha Group, which includes Bulgaria’s Air Vitosha International based in Sofia. This Bulgarian branch, also co-owned by Penari and Rahimi (with Penari holding a 70% stake), currently does not operate any aircraft but is actively seeking an AOC in Bulgaria. In the interim, it plays a vital role by providing crew sourcing and assisting in aircraft acquisition. This multifaceted strategy highlights the group’s commitment to growing its footprint in the regional aviation market.
The acquisition and refurbishment of the Learjet 31A is a significant milestone for Air Vitosha. It not only expands the fleet but also reinforces the company’s focus on quality and reliability. As the airline navigates the regulatory process to obtain its AOC, industry observers are watching closely to see how this move will shape its future operations and market positioning. With a modernized fleet and a clear strategic vision, Air Vitosha is poised to become a noteworthy player in executive jet services across Europe.
This news marks an exciting chapter for the airline, as it leverages its newly acquired assets and strategic partnerships to meet the growing demand for premium air travel. By investing in a state-of-the-art Learjet and pursuing rigorous certification standards, Air Vitosha is setting a strong foundation for future growth and operational excellence.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com