Valletta Airlines (HOT, Malta International) obtained its Maltese Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) #MT-74 on February 9, 2023, following the delivery of its first aircraft, A320-200 9H-NZL (msn 2388), just days earlier.

The start-up plans to add a further two A320s later this year and will operate as an ACMI/charter specialist. Lithuania's Heston Airlines (HN, Vilnius), which is an active airline and also caters to the ACMI/charter market, is providing supporting services to the Maltese airline, albeit with no capital links.

By the end of 2023, Valletta Airlines plans to venture into the widebody market with two A330-200s.