SkyUp MT (U5, Malta International) has obtained its Air Operator's Certificate and Operating Licence from Transport Malta.
"[The] SkyUp brand with Ukrainian DNA is international now. We are one of the first to do so in the history of Ukrainian aviation. For us, this means opening up new opportunities and scaling the business. But our ambitious goal is to show the whole world that Ukrainian brands can compete with European ones, and in the long run, be recognised as the best in Europe and the world thanks to a special service. Now, entering the international market, we have more opportunities to bring Ukraine's victory even closer," co-owner Oleksandr Alba said.
The Maltese sister carrier of SkyUp Airlines (PQ, Kyiv Boryspil) currently operates a single B737-800, 9H-SAU (msn 40249). The aircraft was transferred from the Ukrainian airline and has thus far only been active on proving flights between Malta International, Trapani, and Palermo International. It has yet to enter revenue service.
SkyUp MT said that it is planning to add more aircraft by the end of 2023. In contrast to the first B737-800, the airline plans to source future aircraft under new leasing contracts. It did not reveal any details of its growth plans.
SkyUp currently operates two B737-700s and seven -800s. The airline was established as a leisure-focused low-cost carrier and charter specialist in Ukraine. Following the closure of the country's airspace in February 2022, it transitioned to an ACMI/charter operator based mainly out of Chisinau International and Poland.
