Malta-based AirX wins contract to transport the Olympic torch

Malta-based private air charter company AirX was entrusted by the International Olympic Committee to transport the Olympic torch on the first leg of its world-renowned journey that will culminate at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The Olympic torch is following a three-and-a-half-month journey from the birthplace of the Olympic Games – Olympia – travelling through several cities and islands in Greece, through Switzerland before reaching its final destination in the 2016 host country, Brazil.

Following an evocative lighting ceremony in Athens on 21st April in Olympia, the torch embarked on a seven-day relay across Greece. The torchbearer in Athens was Ibrahim Al-Hussein, a Syrian refugee who lost part of his right leg in a bomb attack in 2012. He carried the torch on behalf of all refugees through the Eleonas refugee and migrant camp.

AirX was contracted to transport the Olympic torch from Athens to Geneva – the first international point of call, home to the seat of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum in Lausanne where the torch was on display prior to its journey.

“Of all the trips we make and the destinations we take people, it has been such a pleasure to be part of a voyage where the journey itself has meant so much. It gives me great pride to be part of these momentous games and we at AirX are honoured to have been chosen," John B. Matthews, Chairman of AirX, said.

The Olympic flame now joins a very long list of VIPs and famous passengers who choose AirX for their private air charter requirements. This particularly fiery client was housed in a “Davy Lamp”, nestled securely on a high comfort seat and accompanied by an entourage trained in the use of fire extinguishers which fortunately were not required at any stage.