Air Malta (Malta International) is planning to add two A321-200neo(XLR)s in 2024 to launch long-haul operations to India and possibly the United States, Chairman Charles Mangion told Air Transport World.

The Maltese carrier had previously said it was studying the A321neo(XLR) but did not confirm plans to add such jets.

Mangion explained that the A321neo(XLR) will be operated by subsidiary Malta MedAir (MT, Malta International), which is wholly-owned by Air Malta and currently operates a single A320-200 on behalf of the Maltese flag carrier.

Air Malta did not name its preferred destinations in India. In the United States, the carrier is evaluating flights to New York. Previously, Air Malta has mentioned Toronto Pearson in Canada as a potential destination.

The Maltese airline currently operates seven A320-200s and three A320neo (including the one wet-leased from Malta MedAir). It plans to complete the roll-over from the ceo to the neo by 2023.