Tag Archives: Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd)

Air Malta launches its Summer 2022 flight schedule

Summer has finally arrived with Air Malta launching operation of its significantly expanded Summer 2022 flying program. The seven-month schedule, which runs from 27th March till 29th October, will see the airline operate 125 weekly return direct services to 18 key European Airports, across 10 different countries.

After an absence of over a year, Air Malta will be returning with a daily service to London Gatwick and with a three times a week service to Madrid. London Heathrow will be the most served route with 15 weekly scheduled flights, followed by Munich (12), Rome (10), and Paris with nine weekly frequencies on Orly and seven weekly frequencies to/from Charles De Gaulle airport. Amsterdam, whilst operating a daily service, will see this increasing to eight services per week during July – October.

This Summer Air Malta will be operating direct flights to Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Catania, Dusseldorf, Geneva, Paris Charles De Gaulle, Paris Orly, Rome Fiumicino, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Madrid, Milan Linate, Munich, Lyon, Prague, Vienna, and Zurich.

Top Copyright Photo: Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL 9H-NEB (msn 8940) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 957147.

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Air Malta to cut half its workforce

Air Malta has announced it will cut half its workforce in order to keep the airline viable.

The airline currently has 890 employees.

The current plan is to offer around 470 employees jobs in other Malta government sectors.

Previously Air Malta announced it was considering consolidating its flight schedule for the months of January and February by reducing frequencies on certain routes without however cancelling any of the 16 routes the airline is operating to this winter. This curtailing, necessitated due to the dramatic downturn in demand over recent weeks, is presently very common in the industry especially in the current scenario during which airlines had to deal with multiple and unprecedented travel disruptions.

So far, unlike some other airlines operating on the Malta route, Air Malta is not planning to cancel any of its planned scheduled routes for this winter or for summer 2022.

Commenting on this plan, Air Malta’s Executive Chairman, David G Curmi, said, “We are taking such decisions to match customer demand and avoid flying near empty aircraft. Such assessments are ongoing and will continue until demand returns to healthy levels. In these situations, we need to be very agile and financially disciplined to be able to adjust seat capacity and focus on efficiency to protect our liquidity and cash performance. Given the unprecedented times we are living in and the challenges that Air Malta is facing, we are continuously optimizing our network for profitability and liquidity, and we plan to continue to do so without compromises.”

The Chairman added, “In this ever-changing scenario, it is very difficult to make any predictions, however Air Malta is committed to remain an all-year-round vital link to mainland Europe not only for travel and tourism but also for the transfer of urgent medical cargo, mail and other import and export freight required for our various industries.”

Roy Kinnear, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer added, “Following the surge of the Omicron variant and the introduction of lockdowns or partial lockdowns and travel restrictions across much of Europe, Air Malta saw a slowdown in new bookings and received a number of cancellations for travel over the holiday period and in January and February. The cancellations came across most of Air Malta’s markets with varying degree. These fluctuating trends have been typical last year with markets opening and closing depending on threat levels. The combination of the current slowdown in bookings and with January and February being naturally lower demand months, has unfortunately driven an increased level of frequency consolidation compared to previously anticipated, but commercially necessary to do so.

“Most airlines vary their allocated capacity throughout the year as Malta’s tourism inflows are highly seasonal, with the peak season in the summer months from July to September and the low season in the winter months from November to February. While other airlines operate at a significantly lower capacity in the winter months, Air Malta ensures connectivity with the major European cities and key airports all year round,” added Mr Kinnear.

Top Copyright Photo: Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL 9H-NEC (msn 9049) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 951244.

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ITA Airways and Air Malta sign a codeshare agreement

ITA Airways and Air Malta, have signed a broad codeshare agreement connecting the networks of the two airlines. This new commercial partnership, which applies to flights departing from Sunday 31st October, is bound to boost business travel and tourism between Italy and Malta and will offer customers more options and better flight schedules when traveling through the two airlines’ hubs in Rome and Luqa, Malta.

Following this agreement, ITA Airways’ and Air Malta’s customers can now fly seamlessly to their desired destination with a single ‘unique’ ticket, checking-in at the airport of departure, and collecting their checked-through baggage at the end of their trip in the arrival airport.

ITA Airways will apply its ‘AZ’ code on all services operated by Air Malta between Italy and Malta. Similarly, Air Malta will codeshare AZ flights between Malta and Rome, connecting Italian domestic services beyond Rome Fiumicino Airport and Milan Linate and selected connecting international services.

The new codeshare flights are now available for sale through the airlines’ respective websites (itaspa.com and airmalta.com), reservation systems and in travel agencies.

Top Copyright Photo: Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL 9H-NEB (msn 8940) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 955682.

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Air Malta to resume services to London Gatwick, Madrid and Moscow

Air Malta has announced its intention to resume flights between the Islands and London Gatwick, Madrid and Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport for Summer 2022.

London Gatwick Airport will be served with a daily service whilst Madrid and Moscow will be served three times per week and twice a week respectively.

These new services will start from March 27, 2022 and are part of a total of over 250 flights per week to 20 destinations which also includes 15 services per week to London Heathrow that Air Malta will operate to in summer 2022.

Welcome back 🤩 | #Malta Has Reopened 🇲🇹
As of today June 1, Malta eases more restrictions to welcome you again.
We are thrilled to have you back onboard with us, to fly you directly to our sunny shores, from 20 destinations. pic.twitter.com/art5cUcjH0

— Air Malta (@AirMalta) June 1, 2021

The airline will continue code-share agreements with Aeroflot, airBaltic, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and Turkish Airlines that will enhance its network capabilities.

Top Copyright Photo: Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL 9H-NED (msn 10106) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 953562.

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Air Malta launches its summer 2021 flight schedule

Air Malta today launched its summer flight schedule with a planned operation to 20 cities. During the six-month program (covering May till October 2021), the Airline is committed to operate 3,012 flights and will offer for sale over half a million seats.

This summer Air Malta will operate direct flights to/from Amsterdam, Brussels, Catania, Frankfurt, Geneva, Lisbon, London Heathrow, Lyon, Manchester, Munich, Milan Linate, Moscow*, Palermo, Paris Charles De Gaulle, Paris Orly, Prague, Rome, Tel Aviv*, Vienna, and Zurich. (* – operations to these airports is subject to the opening of safe corridors).

Key highlights during peak season include:

• Up to 10 weekly services on London Heathrow.

• Twice weekly services to Manchester, supporting the Midlands and North of the UK.

• Up to 11 weekly services on Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports in Paris.

• Up to 9 weekly services on Catania.

• Rome, Munich, and Vienna all served up to 5 times weekly.

Air Malta Route Map:

Top Copyright Photo: Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL 9H-NED (msn 10106) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 953562.

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Air Malta celebrates 45 years of flying

Air Malta is celebrating the 45th anniversary since operating its first flight on the April 1, 1974. Starting with just 53,500 passengers carried in the first year of operation with two wet leased aircraft, Air Malta now carries over 2 million passengers every year and operates with ten aircraft.

Over the years the Maltese Airline transported over 56 million passengers, operated over 1.2 million flights and flown over 775 million kilometres.

Speaking during at a press conference in London Heathrow’s airportto commemorate this event, Minister for Tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi hailed Air Malta’s efforts to open up new tourism markets for the Islands and the airline strong contribution to the islands GDP. He said,“Air Malta’s history is a reflection of the Islands’ self-determination andits willingness to succeed when faced with challenging times. It’s astory of commitment to the Islands by way of the support it gives to the economic and cultural wellbeing of the Islands. Air Malta is thestandard bearer of our nation and it’s our duty and obligation to workto the best of our abilities to expand its operations, see it grow and celebrate the next 45 years.” He added, “The Maltese Government is committed to Make Malta the most UK friendly country after Brexit and thus there are ongoing discussions with key stakeholders including the Malta International Airport and the Malta Tourism Authority to introduce such measures.”

Air Malta’s Chairman Dr Mangion added, “During these 45 years, Air Malta has developed a reputable brand both domestically and within Europe. The Air Malta brand is founded primarily on its safety record, the quality of its maintenance processes, its service and performance. The airline was instrumental in opening up and connecting Malta to the rest of the world and in the process diversifying and opening up new tourism markets for the local tourism industry. If it was not for the foresight of having a national airline and the continued efforts and investments from it over these years, the local tourism industry would be nowhere close to where it is today. The airline has proved to be catalyst for Malta’s growth in diverse areas.”

London Heathrow’s Head of Customer Relations and Service, LukeBurton said, “We are really happy to celebrate this achievement together with Air Malta. Such achievements are based on successful relationships and we look forward to continue our successful collaborations for many more years to come”.

Short history of Air Malta

Air Malta was setup by a Resolution of Malta’s House of Representatives, on March 21, 1973. The airline was registered as a limited liability company on March 30, 1973 and operated its first flight a year later on the April 1, 1974.

The airline was set up with the primary aim to establish, maintain, develop and operate air transport services to and from Malta which, by the carriage of passengers, freight and mail, serve the national interest.

Air Malta started flying operations with two wet-leased Boeing 720Bs (above) from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operating its first flights to London and Rome. The first routes operated by the airline were London, Birmingham, Manchester, Rome, Frankfurt, Paris and Tripoli. Air Malta now serves 40 destinations with around 18,000 yearly flights to Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Above Copyright Photo: Air Malta (2nd) (TAP Air Portugal) Boeing 707-3F5C CS-TBU (msn 20515) ORY (Jacques Guillem). Image: 932483.

Today the airline is one of the most important Maltese organisations not only assisting the tourism sector but also providing businesses that operate on the islands with a wide distribution network abroad for the carriage of passengers and cargo.

Air Malta is proud to celebrate its 45th Anniversary since its first flight, acknowledging the contribution of all those people who believed in it from its inception and to those staff members who have worked and contributed to it development for the past 45 years. The airline is also especially thankful to its loyal customers who have supported it throughout these years.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL 9H-NEO (msn 7875) (Nickelodeon) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 943577.

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Air Malta returns to profitability after almost two decades

Air Malta returns to profitability after almost two decades:

Presents its Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for Year Ended March 2018
Registers an operating profit of €1.2 million compared to a loss of €10.8 million last year
Increased revenue by €5.3 million
Decreased operating costs by €6.7 million
168,000 (+11%) more passengers
77.6% (+2.8% improvement in) seat load factor

Air Malta has today presented its Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for year ended March 2018 during which it reported an operatingprofit of €1.2 million (2017: Loss €10.8 million). When non-recurring items are taken into account (including the payment of the early retirement schemes and the gain on the disposal of landing rights), the airline registered a profit of €15.7million (2017: Loss €13.1 million).

These results were announced today during Air Malta’s Annual General Meeting. During the meeting the airline gave an overview of its financial figures for the year ended in March 2018 and an outlook for the coming year.

During the year under review Air Malta’s operating revenue increased by €5.3million to €197.5 million mainly driven by 11% more passengers
(2018: 1.7 million passengers, 2017: 1.5 million passengers), 8.5% more flights (2018: 14,126, 2017: 13,024) and a 2.8% improvement in seat load factor (2018: 77.6%, 2017: 74.8%). Total operating costs decreased by €6.5 million mainly attributed to a decrease in fuel, aircraft leases and maintenance costs.

During a press briefing announcing the results, Air Malta’s Chief Financial Officer, Omar Bonello attributed these positive performance to better aircraft utilisation, the implementation of a new sales strategy, the investments in IT technology, the signing of the all collective agreements aimed to give a strong base for increased productivity, flexibility and industrial peace stability, and thenegotiation of more favourable terms with the airline’s suppliers.

Speaking at the briefing Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi noted the fact that the airline had registered a significant profit after 18 years demonstrating a story of perseverance, determination and commitment. He noted the positive achievements at Air Malta, such as the addition of 21 new routes, the increase in passenger numbers and revenue, and the increase in fleet. He congratulated all the team at Air Malta for their efforts whilst adding that this success is also attributed to all the employees working day to day at the airline.

Air Malta’s Chairman Dr Charles Mangion added that in spite of these positive results, Air Malta cannot rest on our laurels. “A lot more needs to be done toget the Company out of the woods and on firm sustainable ground. Our growth strategy is underway and is being executed in an extremely competitive environment and a continually changing aviation scenario. The main challenge remains for Air Malta is on how fast it can adapt successfully to change.”

Whilst addressing the conference CEO Capt. Clifford Chetcuti said, “We areseeing the results of the transition to a strategy of growth and credit must be given to all the efforts afforded by the whole team at Air Malta. Aviation is a highly competitive industry dictated by thin margins, high fixed costs and large capital investments. Despite all these business pressures, Air Malta has managed to face these challenges resulting in its being awarded the CAPA turnaround airline of the year in 2018.” The airline’s CEO added, “This is not thetime though to become complacent. Whilst there are challenges with fluctuating fuel prices and increased competitive pressures, we have shown that growthis still achievable.”

Paul Sies, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer added, “During this financialyear we increased capacity by 20%, achieving a growth of 11% more passengers. The new routes generated a +€12 million increase in revenue.”He said that during this financial year the airline implemented a new Revenue Management, new unbundled pricing with the launch of the Go Light, new sales strategies and developed and launched the new buy on board product. During the conference he announced that as from next month, Air Malta will be launching its new Business class service where passengers will be offered new gourmet menus presented in traditional Maltese ceramic crockery thatshowcase the islands’ heritage. During the conference Mr Sies announced thehighlights of the airline’s schedule for this summer which include increasedfrequencies to/from Paris Charles De Gaulle, Hamburg, Kiev, London Heathrow, Lyon, Munich and Tunis. He also announced that after an absenceof 12 years Air Malta is planning to resume flights to Egypt’s capital, Cairo andfor the first time the airline will also offer scheduled services to/from Warsaw.

During the conference presentations were also given by Chief Information Officer, Alan Talbot, who spoke about the digital transformation at Air Malta, and Charlene Camilleri, who spoke about the Ancillary Revenue unit and how this unit is assisting the airline to increase revenue.

Top Copyright Photo: Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd) Airbus A320-214 9H-AEP (msn 3056) LHR (SPA). Image: 946045.

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Air Malta to fly to 27 destinations this winter

Air Malta is setting its sights on extending its record passenger growth numbers into the Winter season with the start of its winter flight schedule this week.

On the back of unprecedented passenger traffic during the summermonths, the airline’s strategy sees a new focus for the winter, with 27 scheduled destinations, an increase of nine destinations over last year. The result is a 40 per cent capacity increase covering a selection of 300 weekly departures.

Air Malta is committed to growing inbound and outbound tourism especially during the shoulder and winter periods. The airline aims to offer a diverse selection of main city and hub airports and a high level of frequencies to and from Malta, giving passengers optimum choice and optimum value for money as well as several options to connect beyond to/from airports nor served with direct flights.

Air Malta

Several of the new routes launched in the last 12 months have proven to be highly successful and will subsequently be retained, including Lisbon, Cagliari, Malaga, Casablanca, and Kiev.

The 5th Freedom flights between Catania and Vienna and between Catania and London Southend will also be retained.

Hamburg landmark Wasserschloss

Meanwhile, the German market, which has for many years been a mainstay to both the airline and the country’s tourism success, will be given renewed focus.

The airline will be placing a lot of new capacity and investing in the German market by adding three new destinations; the capital Berlin, Hamburg and Leipzig. With double daily flights to Munich, five weekly to Frankfurt and a twice weekly flights to Dusseldorf, Air Malta is making sure to cover the German market with 50 weekly departures to and from six airports.

This Winter (November – March) Air Malta will operate direct flights to Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cagliari, Catania, Casablanca, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig, Lisbon, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Southend, Kiev, Malaga, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Palermo, Paris Charles De Gaulle, Paris Orly, Rome, Tel Aviv, Tunis, Vienna and Zurich. The airline will also operate flights between Catania – Vienna, Catania – London Southend and Cagliari – London Southend.

The winter schedule started on October 28, 2018 and runs up to the end of March 2019.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Air Malta): Malta – airmalta.com (Air Malta 2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL 9H-NEO (msn 7875) (Nickelodeon) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 943708.

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