Malta’s aircraft registry has evolved into a significant platform for aviation leasing and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) services, according to new analysis published by the Central Bank of Malta.

The report, written by Central Bank Economist and Technical Attaché for Maritime and Aviation Affairs at Malta’s Permanent Representation to the European Union Kurt Sant, illustrates how the country’s regulatory and economic framework has attracted a growing number of operators whose business models depend on flexibility, cross-border mobility and rapid redeployment of aircraft.

By the end of 2024, the Maltese register listed 913 aircraft, an increase driven in part by operators offering charter, wet-lease, and ACMI capacity to airlines across the world.

ACMI and leasing operators form a core part of the registry

The report identifies several Malta-registered companies that specialise in ACMI and charter services.

Many of these operators move aircraft between regions based on seasonal demand or short-term contract requirements. This mobility is a distinguishing feature of the registry.

According to the analysis, these include:

• Avion Express Malta
• SmartLynx Airlines Malta
• SkyUp MT
• HiFly Ltd
• Valletta Airlines
• Malta MedAir

Together, these firms represent a major share of Malta’s leasing and wet-lease activity.

How ACMI operators used Malta’s registry in 2024

The report’s dataset tracks the most-flown aircraft of several leasing operators, showing how ACMI work relies on redeployment across different airlines and countries throughout the year.

Avion Express Malta

Its Airbus A320 (9H-AMP) operated for Air Malta in January, before being ferried to Mexico in February to fly for VivaAerobus.

SmartLynx Malta

One of its aircraft (9H-SLI) flew for Air Peace in Nigeria until April, then for AJet in Turkey between May and July, and later for IndiGo in India.

SkyUp MT

After the closure of Ukrainian airspace, the company repositioned itself in the ACMI market. Its aircraft (9H-SAT) flew for FlyOne (Moldova), Wizz Air (Warsaw), and United Nigeria Airlines.

HiFly Ltd

The widebody A330 (9H-HFI) was used for Kenya Airways, Air Algérie for France-bound routes, and Royal Air Maroc for Middle Eastern connections.

Valletta Airlines

Operated aircraft for EquAir, with flights out of Vilnius.

Malta MedAir

Its aircraft (9H-MSA) flew for MedSky, a Libyan airline.

These examples underline Malta’s function as a base for aircraft that are continually reassigned to global airlines depending on operational needs.

Why Malta is attractive for ACMI and leasing activity

The paper identifies several structural factors that make Malta a preferred jurisdiction for leasing companies:

1. Access to the European Single Aviation Market

Malta’s EU membership gives aircraft operators unrestricted access to EU airspace and commercial opportunities.

2. A streamlined and cost-effective aircraft registration process

Operators benefit from efficient timelines and reduced administrative barriers.

3. A strong regulatory environment

Malta is an EASA-certified state with an FAA Category 1 rating, ensuring alignment with international safety standards – a crucial factor for leasing clients and contracting airlines.

4. A specialised aviation cluster

The country hosts:

• 23 operators offering chartered civil flights, many of which also provide ACMI solutions
• 30 private jet operators (several offering aircraft management and charter services)
• Maintenance organisations, flight training schools, and aviation service providers

This ecosystem supports the operational requirements of ACMI firms relocating aircraft across continents.

5. Fiscal and legal incentives

Malta’s tax framework, full imputation system, reduced VAT on aircraft leasing, and the incorporation of the Cape Town Convention into domestic law strengthen the financial and legal environment for asset-heavy businesses like lessors.

A rising share of global ACMI activity

The global flight-path dataset shows that Malta-registered ACMI aircraft flew in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Middle East, indicating that the registry is increasingly linked to worldwide short- and long-term leasing arrangements.

As airlines continue to outsource capacity for seasonal peaks, aircraft shortages, or fleet restructuring, Malta’s role as an ACMI base is expected to expand further.

The Central Bank of Malta’s analysis confirms that ACMI and leasing operators are now embedded in the structure of the Maltese aircraft registry. Flexibility, regulatory quality, and EU market access position Malta as an attractive home for fleets that are redeployed internationally, often at short notice.