Wizz Air is also acquiring a Malta branch. The group announced on Tuesday that it had applied for an operating license from the Maltese civil aviation authority TM-CAD. The AOC will continue to be held by EASA.

According to Wizz Air, a corresponding “Agreement on the reallocation of responsibility” has already been signed between the carrier, CAD and EASA. Subject to Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and Air Operator's Certificate (OL) endorsement by EASA and CAD, Wizz Air Malta will be able to commence operations with Malta-registered aircraft in October 2022.

“We are pleased to announce our intention to establish a new subsidiary in Malta. Wizz Air is constantly evaluating the structure of its business and considering options to establish new AOCs and bases in Europe and beyond. The successful launch of Wizz Air Malta later this year will help further consolidate our strong position and support our expansion plans in Europe. We look forward to working with EASA and the Maltese CAA to advance this application,” said CEO Jozsef Varadi.

Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director said: “This is a new step in the already well-established collaboration between the Agency, the Malta Civil Aviation Authority and Wizz Air. This new constellation, in which a group operates multiple AOCs based in different Member States, but being overseen by the same Competent Authority demonstrates the opportunities presented by the transfer of responsibilities to EASA. We look forward to working together on the issuance of this brand new AOC and the oversight activities that follow.”

Captain Charles Pace, Director General of the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate, said: “It is an honor that Wizz Air is among the airlines to have chosen Malta as one of their principal places of business. CAD's teamwork and approach has once again proven to be a winning formula. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Wizz Air CEO and Board of Directors for their trust and I look forward to working with EASA and Wizz Air in issuing the AOC and AOL.”