Comlux has gained a Maltese AOC which enables it to fly freely between all EU member states. "This third AOC complements Comlux's existing Swiss and Kazakh AOCs," says Richard Gaona, president and ceo. "Malta has a fast developing expertise in aircraft maintenance and other services such as banking and legal support."

The new Comlux Malta daughter company has registered an Airbus ACJ and is registering other vvip-configured aircraft for charter operations. The Comlux Aviation fleet currently consists of Airbus and Bombardier aircraft. Richard Gaona says: "We are now able to operate from any EU airport offering our customers seamless convenience and comfort. Our passengers will all benefit from the convenience with which Comlux can now arrange a fast and complex travel schedule, including EU and non-EU travel destinations".

Comlux Aviation, the VVIP charter division of Comlux, has ordered a second A320 for its executive operation. "The new A320 will help to meet demand from the important Middle East market, and complements an A318 Elite and an ACJ that are already operated on VVIP charters by Comlux," says Gaona. Comlux has now placed orders for a total of nine aircraft, comprising four A318 Elites, two ACJs, two A320 Prestiges and one A330-200 Prestige.

"We were one of the first to recognise the need for even more space and comfort than traditional business jets, and because the ACJ family has the widest and tallest cabin in its class, we can offer a lot more than other charter companies," says the head of Comlux Aviation's VVIP charter division Ettore Rodaro. "The outstanding reliability of our Airbus ACJ family is another plus that our customers appreciate, and we can also offer them a lot of experience in managing their VIP Airbus aircraft," he adds.

Comlux Aviation has operated its first Airbus ACJ for several years, and last year became the first to put the A318 Elite into service, flying it an impressive 1,200 hours in its first year. Rodaro says: "In addition to the widest cabin in its class, Airbus' ACJ family also provides a very quiet environment."