ACMI provider SmartLynx Malta has received Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) issued by the Canadian Minister of Transport. The FAOC was issued on 9th of October and is in effect without expiry date.
Foreign air operators flying over Canadian air-space are required to have a certificate confirming compliance with federal aviation regulations of Canada. During the compliance process Transport Canada inspectors are auditing whether applicant’s facilities, equipment and personnel meet with required standards.
“This was a six month long process. We had to submit all our documentation and ensure that we were in full compliance with Transport Canada requirements. Given the high standards and the fact that we meet them, we are very proud of the result. It confirms that our development strategy is effective and our service standards are high,” notes Zygimantas Surintas, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines.
As stated by Mr. Surintas, SmartLynx Malta was well suited to company’s market expansion plans as Malta is a FAA approved country. It is for this reason SmartLynx Malta was directed to acquire Canadian FAOC.
“This is a part of our long-term strategy to reduce our reliance on seasonal high peaks. It gives us an opportunity to cover larger market area and to explore American market. It is just a first step. But it is a large one,” emphasizes Mr. Surintas.
With this certificate SmartLynx Malta is allowed to operate in Canadian air-space and company is currently evaluating options to use this potential accordingly.
SmartLynx Malta is a subsidiary of Latvian-Based SmartLynx Airlines and currently provides ACMI services with one Airbus A320 aircraft.