"Malta's aviation register-the 9H-is continuously gaining momentum. We are seeing a continuous increase in the aircraft being registered in Malta, with the latest development being Freebird Airlines establishing its European arm in Malta. This could not be possible without the strong yet flexible legal framework that our country has and, likewise as important, without the cluster of aviation services that are establishing Malta as an aviation hub. This is living proof that the success of our country keeps on attracting investment from different sectors", Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg said.
Transport Malta has awarded an Air Operator Certificate to Freebird Airlines Europe. The well-established Turkish airline will operate commercial flights within the EU with its first Maltese aircraft, an Airbus A-320.
The aircraft, with the registration 9H-FHB, carrying a substantial delegation of airline officials, was in Malta for a couple of days and left yesterday morning. Freebird Airlines is expected to extend its operations in Europe and other regions, further expanding its fleet.
Haci Say, from Freebird said that, "Freebird Airlines Europe, with the professional cooperation and support of TM-CAD, would like to extend its operations in Europe and other regions with its growing fleet. We would like to take this opportunity to thank TM-CAD for its continuous support."
Minister Ian Borg said that, "Transport Malta's Civil Aviation Directorate has been working relentlessly to continue establishing Malta as an established aviation cluster. Freebird Europe are now among the long list of operators who have chosen Malta as their jurisdiction of choice. A few weeks ago, Transport Malta licensed Freebird as an Approved Training Organisation, providing aviation training focusing mostly on rating training for the Airbus A320, the Boeing 737, simulator flight instructor training and Type Rating Instructor training."
Freebird Airlines Europe is part of Gözen Holding, a group of companies with firm roots in the aviation industry. The group has airlines and branches catering for representation, surveillance, fuel, controlling, brokerage, security and training. It has been established for the past 38 years and its 6 companies employ more than 2,000 individuals.
Freebird Airlines is an international charter airline established in 2000 and serves Europe and nearby regions with a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. The International Flight Training Centre Istanbul (IFTC) also forms part of this group, with five full-flight simulators for the A320 and B737-NG aircraft and quality training facilities and services in both Istanbul and Antalya in Turkey.
Minister Borg reiterated the Government's commitment to continue being proactive and reliable in a commitment to ensure the continued growth of the industry.