Air Vitosha has added its first executive jet, a Learjet 31A(ER), as it works towards securing an air operator’s certificate (AOC) in Malta.
The 24.3-year-old aircraft, 9H-THB (msn 31A-205), is configured to seat up to six passengers and was first active on February 20, 2025, with a test flight around Cologne/Bonn.
Previously, the aircraft was operated by Greece's Epsilon Aviation as SX-MTS. It was last active under the company's 'GRV' code on May 7, 2024, flying between Athens and Cologne/Bonn. Epsilon Aviation continues to operate two Learjet 35As - one registered in Greece and another in Malta, with the latter having been stored at Cologne/Bonn since October 28, 2023.
Air Vitosha was established in Malta on November 12, 2024, and is co-owned by two French nationals, Philippe Penari and Mehdi Rahimi, each with a 50% stake. The operator is currently pursuing a Maltese AOC, which it expects to obtain in the first half of 2025. The Learjet 31A, acquired in 2024, underwent refurbishment before entering service.
The Maltese firm is part of Air Vitosha Group, which also includes Bulgaria's Air Vitosha International, based in Sofia. The Bulgarian entity is also co-owned by Penari and Rahimi (with the former holding a 70% stake) and does not operate any aircraft. According to its website, it is seeking an AOC in Bulgaria. At present, it provides crew sourcing and aircraft acquisition services.
