KM Malta Airlines Secures Licenses, Unveils Launch Network Details

KM Malta Airlines has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining both its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Operator’s Licence (OL) from Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate. The newly licensed carrier is set to commence ticket sales for its launch network on December 4. As reported earlier by ch-aviation, the airline is scheduled to begin flight operations on March 31, 2024.

The airline plans to serve a total of 17 destinations, utilizing a fleet consisting of eight A320-200neo aircraft. This marks a departure from its predecessor, Air Malta, which currently operates a mix of six A320neo and A320-200 aircraft, according to ch-aviation fleets advanced data.

The launch network details were outlined in a presentation by Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela and Finance Minister Clyde Caruana. The announced destinations include Amsterdam Schiphol, Berlin Brandenburg International, Brussels National, Catania, Düsseldorf, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Lyon St. Exupéry, Madrid Barajas, Milan Linate, Munich, Paris CDG, Paris Orly, Prague Václav Havel, Rome Fiumicino, Vienna, and Zurich. Additionally, Copenhagen Kastrup is planned for the third year of the airline’s business plan.

Comparing this with Air Malta’s current winter schedule destinations, it’s noted that Milan Malpensa is the only destination not retained by KM Malta Airlines. The summer 2023 season saw Air Malta also operating to Geneva, Rotterdam, and Vienna, which will no longer be served by its successor.

While details about the source of the two additional A320neo aircraft for KM Malta Airlines were not provided in response to inquiries, the airline’s entry into the market signifies a strategic move to expand connectivity from Malta to key European destinations. The achievement of AOC and OL licenses positions KM Malta Airlines for the upcoming ticket sales and the anticipated launch of operations in 2024.