Capitalising on recent political changes in Europe, Alliance Jet, part of Ireland's Alliance Aviation Group, has expanded operations across the continent, opening its latest base in Malta, allowing aircraft owners to import aircraft with zero VAT and freedom of movement in EASA countries.

The Irish aviation company, which arranges jet charter solutions and licensed ground handling agents, has taken the opportunities afforded by Brexit to offer more affordable terms to the region's aircraft owners. The move has been welcomed across the aviation sector, allowing aircraft owners to circumvent the VAT now payable in the EU and hubs such as the Isle of Man.

With Malta's location in the middle of the Mediterranean and southernmost tip of Europe, it is seen as the perfect location for the expanding company, which already has operations globally including in Switzerland, Ireland, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the US. With an aviation history dating back to the 1920s, Malta is regarded as an 'onshore' jurisdiction with 'offshore' benefits and is reputed as one of the best EASA registers in the region.

“The timing is critical,” says Brendan McQuaid, Group CEO of Alliance Aviation Group, who is optimistic that 2021 will see charter requests rise again to pre-COVID levels. “If aircraft owners want to move within Europe, they cannot without an EASA register, so we have seen this as an opportune time to capitalise on a changing economic and political situation in the region.”

Private aircraft owners are permitted to register their aircraft using an AOC operation and can pay zero per cent VAT while still operating in Europe.

“Malta's corporate tax system allows for non-resident aircraft owners and brokers, so we see this not only as an opportunity for us, but for the industry, which needs as much support as possible in the wake of the pandemic,” adds McQuaid. “We have the expertise and finance and feel confident that we can support both the aircraft operators and jet charter brokers as we move beyond this period.”

Alliance Jet operates two Bombardier aircraft, a Global 6000 and a Challenger 605, under a recently received Maltese AOC. Both aircraft operate from floating bases and are available for charter 24/7 with no owner restrictions.