Avion Express (X9, Vilnius) says its Maltese subsidiary, Avion Express Malta (4X, Malta International) (formerly known as ALH Airlines), is set to commence operations after having completed its certification drive last week.

The first aircraft in its fleet is A320-200 9H-AMA (msn 1005).

“We are constantly working on strengthening our leading position in the industry and expanding to new markets," Darius Kajokas, Avion Express CEO, said in a statement. "The decision to establish a subsidiary company specifically in Malta was based upon favourable and strategically beneficial conditions provided by the country. Acquiring a Maltese [Air Operator's Certificate] AOC and [Air Operator's Licence] AOL opens a lot of opportunities for us which we are looking forward to exploring.”

Other ACMI/charter carriers that have already established their own Maltese subsidiaries include Corendon Airlines with Corendon Airlines Europe, Freebird Airlines with Freebird Airlines Europe, Hi Fly with Hi Fly Malta, and SmartLynx Airlines with SmartLynx Airlines Malta.