Communications Minister Marios Demetriades has confirmed that a new Cypriot airliner will be operational in the next couple of months after it received its air operator’s certificate (AOC).
Speaking to state radio on Friday morning, Demetriades said that the new airline, Tus Airways, is now waiting for its final clearance and is expected to be operational within the next few months.
The new company, which has set up headquarters in Larnaca, will start off with short flights to neighboring countries and is the first local airliner to be established on the island since the collapse of national carrier Cyprus Airways.
“It is true that Tus is the first Cypriot airliner since the disbandment of Cyprus Airways,” said Demetriades. “There are no other Cypriot airline companies right now. From what I have been informed, the airliner will fly short distances to countries like Greece, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt.”
“They already have their fleet ready so I expect them to begin their first flights within the next few months. This airline company, from what I understand, was started by both Cypriot and foreign business people.”
When asked about the impact that the new airliner will have on Cyprus, he replied, “This move will certainly help us. As the government, we are working hard with all agencies like the CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organization) to bring as many planes as we can to Cyprus so we obviously approve such a move. The new airline also gives more options to people in Cyprus wanting to fly out.”
“We hope we don’t end with only this airline. It is always best to have airline companies based in Cyprus because that means that they are here to stay.”
Tus Airways’ fleet consists of two small planes – a Saab 340 and a Saab 2000. Both aircraft are twin-engine high-speed turboprop airliner built by Swedish company Saab.
Original article can be found here: http://in-cyprus.com
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