Wizz Air Malta appoints Mauro Peneda as MD following changes at parent company

Wizz Air Malta has appointed Mauro Peneda as Managing Director (MD), following a series of leadership changes at its parent company, Wizz Air.

On Wednesday, Wizz Air announced that President Robert Carey has departed the airline, prompting a number of promotions to key executives.

József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, has assumed commercial leadership responsibilities for the next three months, after which Michael Delehant, currently Wizz Air Chief Operations Officer (COO), takes on the role of Senior Chief Commercial and Operations Officer from the start of October.

As a result of this change, Diarmuid O’Conghaile, currently MD of Wizz Air Malta, a Maltese low-cost airline and subsidiary of the Hungarian airline, will become COO.

Throughout his career, Mr O’Conghaile has served in various executive roles, including being the leader of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), as well as CEO of Malta Air, the joint venture between Ryanair and Malta’s Government.

Furthermore, Wizz Air announced that Mr Peneda will replace Mr O’Conghaile as Wizz Air Malta MD.

Wizz Air Malta was founded in September 2022, operating its first flight in that same month. It flies with Maltese-registered aircraft, a fleet that includes Airbus A320-200, Airbus A320neo, and Airbus A321neo.

In his new position, Mr Peneda will report to Mr O’Conghaile on all matters related to the Malta subsidiary.

He joined Wizz Air two years ago, occupying the position of Head of OCC and Fuel Management.

Prior to that, Mr Peneda worked at LATAM Airlines for nine years, with his most recent role at the company being Director of Airports in Brazil.

Commenting on the promotions, Mr Váradi said that they were all well-deserved, highlighting the airline’s commitment to promoting from within. The CEO stated that the executives’ leadership and contributions will continue driving Wizz Air forward as it progresses towards achieving its goals of Wizz 500.

Wizz 500 is the company’s plan to grow its fleet to 500 aircraft by 2030, as it plans to carry 170 million passengers per year.

Social image: Wizz Air