Fractional fleet operator Flexjet has secured a AOC (Maltese Air Operator Certificate), and opened a new operations centre on the Mediterranean island. The Directional company has been increasing its European presence, growing its fleet of aircraft by 40% alone this year in the region.

The new AOC gives Flexjet more operational reach, its Malta Operational Centre, situated in Sliema, adds to its existing European headquarters in London’s Mayfair; St Albans, UK; and its aircraft maintenance facility based in Milan, Italy.

Flexjet has selected an Embraer Legacy 500 as the first aircraft to operate under the new registration.

With its US operation headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Flexjet launched in Europe in late 2019. The European arm, led by European Managing Director Marine Eugène, has since grown its fleet and operation – following a $1.4bn order from Embraer.

Eugène said: “Flexjet Owners are flying an increasing variety of routes within Europe and beyond, and our Maltese AOC allows us more reach and additional operational flexibility.

“We enjoyed working closely in partnership with Transport Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate, who share our commitment to the highest standards of safety and compliance.

“I am also delighted to establish our new regional Operational Centre within the professional Maltese aviation community, which will undoubtedly prove an important asset as we continue to grow Flexjet throughout Europe.

“Our first 9H-registration for Flexjet is an important milestone, and one that we plan to build upon over the coming months.”

Charles Pace, director general, Civil Aviation Directorate Transport Malta (TM-CAD) added: “We are proud to have an operator of Flexjet’s calibre join our aviation community in Malta.

We were highly impressed by their safety-first philosophy, their experienced team, aircraft, and crew – and confident of a bright future. I would like to thank the CAD inspectors who worked on the project and the Flexjet management who entrusted CAD with their new company.”