OREANDA-NEWS. June 14, 2011.  European leisure charter carrier Small Planet Airlines further expands its activity in Italy by receiving the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile). The AOC, along with the Air Operator License, will allow the carrier to operate flights from Italy to destinations outside the EU.

 ‘We are very excited to announce that we are further expanding our long-term cooperation with the charter broker Aeroservizi. The last two years brought some very valuable experience. The AOC provides us with the opportunity to offer flights from Italy to non-EU destinations that are of a consistently high quality, safe and professionally operated. We will work hard in order to earn the confidence of tour operators and strengthen our position in the Italian market. We offer the best price for European quality and the passengers are guaranteed to get into the holiday spirit right from the very first step on board’, -  said Vytautas Kaikaris, the CEO of Small Planet Airlines.

 Small Planet Airlines entered Italian charter market in 2009 thanks to the strong partnership with the Italian air charter broker Aeroservizi, GSA of the carrier in the Italian Market. In 2010 a four year strategic agreement has been signed between the companies.

 “We are extremely satisfied with this important goal that supports our all year round charter flight programs of the most important Italian tour operators. Our trustworthiness, reliability and professionalism will make the difference in a market which is currently facing difficulties”, – said Stefano Canessa, General Manager of Aeroservizi and Accountable Manager of Small Planet Airlines in Italy. “I would also like to extend a sincere appreciation to ENAC certification team for their professionalism and support provided to our company during this certification process.”

 This summer Small Planet Airlines will serve Italian tourists with three Boeing 737-300 aircraft: two based in Milan Malpensa and one in Rome Fiumicino, which will be flying with Italian crews under the Italian AOC. The second aircraft shall be added to the AOC starting the winter season of 2011.