Cyprus Airways (CY, Larnaca) has commenced operations following its inaugural scheduled passenger flight on Thursday, June 1, between its Larnaca base and St. Petersburg, Russia. Services to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion in Israel, and Rhodes International and Irakleion in Greece are expected to launch through month-end.

Though operations are currently on-board a single A319-100, leased from Miramonte, more aircraft are expected to be inducted as more destinations are added.

Charlie Airlines, the carrier's legal name, is a 40/60 joint-venture between Russia's S7 Group and a consortium of Cypriot investors. It acquired the right to the Cyprus Airways brand in July last year.

As it stands, Cyprus now has three active commercial airlines that, aside from Cyprus Airways, include Cobalt (Larnaca) and TUS Airways (U8, Larnaca). The last of the start-ups - Orion Airways (Larnaca) - is currently in the process of securing its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) followed by an Air Services Licence (ASL).