Hellas Jet Gets Operator’s License

Cyprus Airways subsidiary, Hellas Jet, picked up an air operator’s license for Greece but is still waiting on a commercial license. Although the airline had hoped to begin flights on June 23, as we go to press there has been no further announcements as to when flights will begin.

The airline, a joint venture between the Cypriot carrier and Greek investors Alpha Bank and Omega Bank, will be based in Athens. Hellas Jet has leased three Airbus 320s for short-haul flights between Athens and other European capitals. In other local airline news, the government will seek to give ailing Olympic Airways a new lease on life later this month. Under the name New Olympic Airways, the leaner airline may find potential buyers.

According to the plan, New Olympic Airways will take over the state carrier’s logo, most of its schedules and aircraft as well as its role as the official carrier of the 2004 games, which is seen bringing in 100 million euros in extra revenues.