Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) has begun the process of securing its Cypriot Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the country's Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) CEO Michael O'Leary has announced.

On the Irish budget airline's entry into the race for control over the ailing national carrier, Cyprus Airways (1947) (Larnaca), O'Leary stated that a Cypriot AOC would allow Ryanair to use Cyprus as a base for untapped low-cost flights to Russia and to destinations in the Middle East including Israel, Lebanon, Jordan among others. Should a suitable partner be found, Larnaca is expected to complete the privatization of Cyprus Airways before year-end.

The Cyprus Mail claims Ryanair has asked the DCA for an expedited review of its application so that it can be issued with an AOC within two months. In general, the process normally takes up to 90 days.