Moldova Demands Ownership Overhaul at Fly One Over Security Concerns
Moldovan authorities have ordered a major structural shakeup at the local airline Fly One, demanding a change in its ownership for national security reasons. The decision, which follows an 11-month investigation, carries regional weight as the Moldovan company is a 46 % shareholder in the carrier Flyone Armenia.
Moldova's investment screening council (CEIISS) has given the airline Fly One 90 days to overhaul its ownership structure. This mandate, rooted in national security concerns, follows an extensive review of the carrier's operations.
During the investigation, authorities scrutinized the financial transactions and investment framework of Fly One and its Armenian subsidiary. According to the Council, the airline failed to provide the requested information "in full volume." A key focus of the probe was the potential ties between the airline's management and individuals under international sanctions. Despite these strict demands, CEIISS has assured the public that passengers will not face immediate disruptions, and the airline will continue operating its regular flights.
Ties to the Armenian Market
The Moldovan Fly One owns a 46 % stake in Flyone Armenia, an airline founded in 2021. The remaining 54 % is held by citizens of Armenia. This setup complies with local aviation laws, which mandate that at least 51 % of an entity holding an air operator certificate must be locally owned.
Eduard Sukiasyan holds 50 % of the Armenian carrier, while the remaining 4 % is registered to General Director Aram Khachatryan. Notably, Mircea Maleca, who served as the general director of Flyone Armenia in 2021-2022, is still listed in Armenia's state register of legal entities as the ultimate beneficial owner of the Moldovan share.
Fly One Shareholders
Founded in 2015 and granted an operating certificate in 2016, the Moldovan Fly One is equally owned by the families of Vladimir Cebotari, Moldova's former Minister of Justice, and Mircea Maleca, the former head of the country's Civil Aviation Authority.
- A 40 % stake is held by Vladimir Cebotari's wife, Maria Cebotari, while 10 % belongs to his sister, Mariana Tabuica.
- The other 40 % is registered to Mircea Maleca's ex-wife, Ina Maleca, with the final 10 % held by Mircea Maleca himself.
Former minister Cebotari previously collaborated with fugitive Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc. Local media point to this historical association as the likely basis for the alleged connections to sanctioned individuals.
This article was generated automatically using AI based on reporting from established news sources. All sources are listed below.
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