The start-up Wizz Air Malta is now officially an airline, having received the AOC from EASA and the operating license from the Maltese Civil Aviation Authority. The first commercial flight was performed on September 26, 2022 on the Rome-Turku route.

At Luqa Airport, Wizz Air Malta's first aircraft on the Maltese register was greeted with the usual water fountain. At the same time, Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia was present, accompanied by a high-level delegation from Malta's Civil Aviation Authority. The young carrier's first aircraft is an Airbus A321neo and bears the registration 9H-WAM. It is currently planned that the new carrier will initially operate 75 Airbus jets. A base with two Airbus A321neo is to be built at Luqa Airport.

“We expect this airline to register a significant number of aircraft in our country, further adding to our already strong 9H fleet. Malta will continue to support investors choosing Malta as a location to benefit this very important industry and ultimately strengthen our economy,” Farrugia said at the media event.

Wizz Air Malta is a new offshoot of the Wizz Air Group. So far, the group has kept a low profile as to what purpose is being pursued with this carrier. In any case, the first aircraft will be stationed at Rome Fiumicino Airport and will be in use since September 26, 2022. Wizz Air is still silent about other possible bases - apart from Rom and Luqa.

“We are delighted to announce the formation of Wizz Air Malta, which gives us the opportunity to further diversify our operations and drive our growth. Malta's economic and regulatory system will allow Wizz Air to strengthen its position in the global market. We would like to thank EASA and CAD for their support and expertise and look forward to working with the Maltese authorities in the years to come,” said Robert Carey, President of Wizz Air Group.

Malta Aviation Authority chief Charles Pace said during his address that Wizz Air is expected to register "a significant number of new aircraft" on the 9H register in the coming months. At the same time, the head of the authorities thanked everyone involved who had a hand in ensuring that the EASA AOC and the Maltese operating license could be issued on time.