But is it still uncertain whether the new Russian-owned carrier whose first aircraft is now sitting on the tarmac at Larnaca airport will operate flights next month.

“Basically, after the commercial license is granted we have to open sales and have that for a couple of weeks…we can’t say for sure we will be operating flights in April,” the insider also said.

The new Cyprus Airways will operate flights to Russia, UK and other European countries.

Last week, the carrier successfully completed its first test flight with an initial trip to Heraklion, Crete.

The flight, which was undertaken in order to obtain the Air Operator Certificate to allow it to carry passengers, took off with members of the civil aviation authorities on-board.

Last year, the fledgeling carrier’s Airbus 319 arrived in Larnaca bearing its livery which represents the island’s colours and symbols.

“We are happy to present the first aircraft for the new Cyprus Airways,” Cyprus Airways chief commercial officer Natalya Popova said.

“We hope that our livery will appeal to our passengers and will make the company’s fleet recognisable in any airport across the world thanks to the selected colours and the symbols of Cyprus, which remind of the unique peaceful and beautiful atmosphere enjoyed by anyone arriving on the island.”

Pastel shades were chosen for the livery, light blue as the basic colour and azure blue for the underside of the fuselage to replicate the various colours of the Mediterranean Sea.

The olive branch, the main symbol of Cyprus and also found on the Republic’s flag, is depicted on the tail and engine of the plane.

The fuselage wears the logo of Cyprus Airways, while on the front part there is a Mouflon – another quintessential symbol of Cyprus.

The airline’s corporate design elements, including the livery and the logo of Cyprus Airways, were designed by British agency Landor.

In July, Charlie Airlines, co-owned by the Russian S7 Group, won a competition for the right to use the trademark ‘Cyprus Airways’ for a decade. Charlie Airlines bought the rights for €2.04 million.

The original Cyprus Airways shut down in January 2016 after the European Commission ruled that more than €102m in government support constituted illegal state aid and €66m had to be repaid.

The national carrier could not afford to return the money and operations were suspended.

Source: InCyprus