Orion Airways (Larnaca) is to take delivery of its maiden aircraft next week, a B737-300 currently registered as JY-JAX (msn 23955) dry-leased from Kyprosa Aviation.

The start-up secured its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Cypriot Department of Civil Aviation in March and plans to launch full-service operations this year. Orion Airways aims to serve Athens Int'l initially followed by London as well as destinations in France, Austria, and Israel thereafter.

The lessor, Kyprosa Aviation, is also a relative newcomer on the aviation scene. This is the Lanarca-based lessor's first aircraft. Director Nader Saleh is the CEO of Atwan International, a Jordan-based tour operator providing services in Jordan, Serbia, Bulgaria and Cyprus.