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Earlier last week Air Malta introduced Birmingham and Manchester as the national airline’s first bases outside it home base of Malta. The British cities will be used by Air Malta to operate the regional charter flights the airline had announced in April.
The move is in line with Air Malta’s long-term goal to expand into the European market and, as Malta’s accession to the EU became reality, the opportunity arose.
The regional programme will run until the end of October 2004 and sees base operations from Manchester and Birmingham as well as other regional airports to a number of destinations in Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Two dedicated Airbus A320 aircraft in 180-seat configuration in Air Malta colours operate the series and Air Malta’s UK-based engineering personnel, cabin crew and flight crew, support the flights.
Commercial aspects are being handled with the assistance of Meridian Aviation UK Ltd - Air Malta’s UK based charter consolidator agent and Air Malta has also signed a co-operation agreement with Excel Airways.
Air Malta has been flying to Manchester, Birmingham and London since operations commenced in 1974 and the recent expansion of the direct London – Catania route, the airline reports, is progressing well. Air Malta has made definitive plans to continue these flights.
The UK base is expected to be just the start of similar styled operations for Air Malta. Apart from building on the UK experience, and having further aircraft and personnel based here, Air Malta is actively evaluating the opening of similar bases elsewhere in Europe for next winter and summer 2005.
Addressing the media at Manchester Airport Air Malta Chief Operating Officer Joe Cappello comments, “Today, as a result of Malta’s EU membership yet without losing its identity as Malta’s premium flag bearer, Air Malta can start to grow its operations beyond its important, but restricted home base in Malta.
“We reacted immediately when presented with the opportunity of operating a series of summer charter flights from the UK to various destinations in Europe”.
Reduced fares to selected destinations
In other news, Air Malta has issued reduced return airfares to Catania, Vienna, Paris and Brussels.
Passengers travelling to Catania between 1 July and 31 October on specific Air Malta flights can enjoy a reduced price of only Lm45. Until 28 June customers can book a Brussels bound return flight for only Lm80. Customers wishing to travel to Paris or Vienna during June 2004 can benefit from the bargain price of only Lm 90 (return).
A limited number of seats are available.
The above fares are exclusive of taxes and airport charges. For more information and bookings one can access www.airmalta.com or call 21662211, e-mail kmsales@airmalta.com.mt, or contact any Air Malta Sales Office or local travel agents.
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