Three applications from Cypriot companies for an air operator certificate (AOC) are being examined by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) said the general manager of the Ministry of Transport, Alecos Michaelides.

"The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) examines three other requests for AOC submitted by Cypriot companies," Mr Michaelides said speaking to CNA without mentioning names because the process is still at an early stage.

Currently the DCA examines the applications and submits additional questions, he added.

According to Mr. Michaelides, after the granting of the AOC, the request will be transferred to the Air Transport Licensing Authority at the Ministry of Transport, chaired by himself, for the grant of license commercial aviation.

It is noted that Tus Airways, a company set up by former pilots of Cyprus Airways, has already secured the necessary permits, and will launch its flight program in mid-February.

At the same time, Mr. Michaelides said the Ministry examines applications from foreign companies to carry out flights to and from Cyprus.

Without reference to names, Mr. Michaelides merely stated that "there are a lot of applications that are being examined."