Norwegian AS launches seasonal flts between Oslo and Malta

Norwegian Air Shuttle has launched this evening its 'summer' seasonal flights on schedule between Oslo-Gardermoen (Norway) and Malta Int'l Airport.

This first flight was operated with a Boeing B737-800WL, registration LN-NOD.

Norwegian AS will be operating two weekly flights between Oslo-Gardermoen and Malta, on Wednesdays & Saturdays, up to October 30th, 2010.

easyJet launches flt ops between Milan and Malta

easyJet has launched today afternoon flight operations on schedule between Milan-Malpensa (Italy) and Malta Int'l Airport.

This first flight, operated by Airbus A319 (G-EZIS), has landed at Malta Int'l Airport at 1340LT as EZY2595. It departed back to Milan-Malpensa at 1433LT as EZY2596.

Malpensa-Malta-Malpensa is easyJet's fifth route being operated on schedule to Malta Int'l Airport, and second route between Italy and Malta.

Ryanair launches flt ops between Bournemouth and Malta

Ryanair has launched this morning flight operations on schedule between Bournemouth (U.K.) and Malta Int'l Airport.

This first flight, operated by Boeing B738 (EI-DAC), has landed at Malta Int'l Airport at 1115LT as RYR6551. It departed back to Bournemouth at 1209LT as RYR6552.

Bournemouth-Malta-Bournemouth is Ryanair's 13th route being operated on schedule to Malta Int'l Airport, and the fifth route between the U.K. and Malta.

Ryanair launches flt ops between Leeds/Bradford and Malta

Ryanair has launched this evening flight operations on schedule between Leeds/Bradford (U.K.) and Malta Int'l Airport.

This first flight was operated with a B737-800WL, registration EI-EFB.

Leeds/Bradford-Malta-Leeds/Bradford is Ryanair's 12th route being operated on schedule to Malta Int'l Airport, and the fourth route between the U.K. and Malta.

Privajet Ltd. takes delivery of B737(BBJ) 9H-BBJ

Maltese registered company Privajet Ltd. has taken delivery today of their first aircraft, a Boeing 737-7BC(WL) Business Jet, with registration 9H-BBJ.

The aircraft was delivered, still in ex NetJets livery, from Basle (Switzerland) to Moscow-Vnokovo (Russia).

Year built: 2000
Serial no.: 30791/623
Test registration: N1786B
Previous registration: LX-GVV (with Global Jet Luxembourg)

FGSs Pegnitz & Laboe in Valletta Port on a courtesy visit

Two German naval mine countermeasure vessels, FGS Pegnitz (M 1090) - an Ensdorf Class (Type 352) MCM Drone Control Vessel - and FGS Laboe (M 1097) - a Kulmbach Class (Type MJ333) Minehunter, have arrived this afternoon in Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) on a courtesy visit.

Both vessels are expected to sail from Malta tomorrow, March 21st, at 1200LT.

M.I.A.'s New Brand Identity

In view to the new developments that have taken place at Malta Int'l Airport further to the general refurbishment and expansion project launched last June, as well as to the internal reorganisation of its corporate governance the M.I.A. brand identity has now also been revamped to reflect the redefined vision of the Company.

Malta Int'l Airport is perceived as a professional organisation which has advanced in time, confident of its management strategies and well in control of situations that affect the performance of its core business. Since its privatisation in 2002, M.I.A. plc, as a listed Company, has moved ahead constantly improving its results with a competent, practical and efficient management style. These attributes are reflected in the dynamic, smart-looking and modern icon which characterises the new logo and its relationship with the sub-brands, namely Sky Parks Development Ltd, Malta Airport Parking, Malta Airport Shopping, Malta Airport Security, Malta Airport Met Office and the La Valette Club.

"A brand is a collection of perceptions in the mind of the consumer" (Colin Bates, The Side Road) - Indeed airport brands contribute significantly to the impressions a country creates and M.I.A.’s new corporate image calls to mind, not only the airport’s core product represented in the semblance of movement in flight of its icon, but moreover the warm and cordial colours which reflect Maltese hospitality, a pleasant climate and the comfort of being there.

(www.maltairport.com)

AFM commissions four new inshore patrol boats

Four new inshore patrol boats formally entered service with the Armed Forces of Malta during a commissioning ceremony at Haywharf this morning.

The 40-tonne boats, 'dressed overall' for the occasion, were built by Austal in Australia in a €9.5m project, three quarters of which was funded by the E.U.

Prime Minister L. Gonzi and Brigadier M. Xuereb presided the ceremony during which the AFM pennant was raised on the four boats while their crews stood to attention.

The boats then cruised from their base to Grand Harbour and back.

Dr Gonzi in an address underlined the importance for Malta to have a modern and efficient maritime squadron because of its responsibilities for maritime safety and in order to counter smuggling and illegal migration.

The boats are the latest step in the modernisation of the Maritime Squadron, which, over recent years also commissioned a 'Modified' Diciotti class offshore patrol vessel and two Protector Class coastal patrol boats which are slightly bigger than the new boats.

(www.timesofmalta.com)

SPS Martin Posadillo in Valletta Port on a courtesy visit

The Spanish naval auxiliary vessel, SPS Martin Posadillo (A 04) - a vehicle cargo ship - has arrived this afternoon in Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) on a courtesy visit.

SPS Martin Posadillo is expected to sail from Malta this Thursday, March 17th, at 1000LT.

M.I.A. issues its financial results for 2009 and revised forecast for 2010

Malta Int'l Airport plc has issued its financial results for 2009 which show a 3% increase in revenue and a net profit of 2% the latter corresponding to an increase from €8.66 million in 2008 to €8.84 million in 2009, which given the economic scenario is a notable result.

The comprehensive income of M.I.A. in 2009 increased from €45.11 to €46.45 million. This represents a 2.3% decrease in aviation revenue, and conversely a remarkable 20% increase in non-aviation revenue resulting in an overall 3% increase. The number of passengers that passed through M.I.A. in 2009 was 6.1% less than 2008.

These results have been achieved primarily because of the decisions taken in the previous years to invest in the commercial areas of the business. The increase in revenue results from the positive performance of the concessionaires which has registered an increase of 16%, the VIP product with its increase of 23%, as well as revised rental agreements which registered an increase of 55%.

The Company, moreover, has also made a great effort to contain its operating costs. Its staff costs have increased only marginally by 0.6%, whilst other operating costs registered an additional 5%, depreciation has increased by 7% reflecting the investments undertaken, whilst financial costs decreased by 25.2%.

The Directors of M.I.A. have therefore proposed a final net dividend of €0.057 per share which brings the total dividends for the year to €0.117 per share.

The result of 2009 warrant the pursuance of M.I.A.'s policy to avail itself of further eventual opportunities from which it could avail itself of greater revenue generation in order to alleviate its economic dependence on aviation and related activities.

At present it is already effectively and actively engaged in its diversification strategy in marketing its new Business Centre on landside which is expected to commence operation in the latter half of 2011.

Traffic Forecast for 2010

The estimated passenger growth stated in January by M.I.A. was 3%, the Company has now announced a revised forecast of 6% in view of the recent passenger growth and a better understanding of airline schedules for the forthcoming season.

(www.maltairport.com)

FGS U17 in Valletta Port on a courtesy visit

The German naval submarine, FGS U17 (S 196) - a Type-206A - has arrived this morning in Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) on a courtesy visit.

FGS U17 is expected to sail from Malta on Tuesday, March 16th, at 1000LT.

easyJet launches flight ops between Rome and Malta

easyJet has launched today flight operations on schedule between Roma-Fiumicino (Italy) and Malta Int'l Airport.

This first flight, operated by Airbus A319 (G-EZIS), has landed at Malta Int'l Airport at 0751LT as EZY4963. It departed back to Rome-Fiumicino at 0839LT as EZY4964.

Rome-Malta-Rome is easyJet's fourth route being operated on schedule to Malta Int'l Airport. The other three routes operated by easyJet to Malta are London-Gatwick, Manchester and Newcastle.

FGSs Kulmbach & Auerbach-Oberpfalz in Valletta Port

Two German naval mine countermeasure vessels, FGS Kulmach (M 1091) - a Kulmbach Class (Type MJ333) Minehunter - and FGS Auerbach-Oberpfalz (M 1093) - an Ensdorf Class (Type 352) MCM Drone Control Vessel - have arrived this morning in Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) on a courtesy visit.

Both vessels are expected to sail from Malta tomorrow, March 11th, at 1500LT.

Medavia to expand into €10.5m facility near Safi

Medavia, the aviation company, will be investing €10.5 million to build a new hangar and office block as part of its plan to expand its operations here.

The new 5,000 square metre hangar will be flanked by a 2,000 square metre office block, which will form part of the new aviation park on the outskirts of Safi.

The infrastructural works for the aviation park, spanning over two hectares, will cost the government €7 million and will include the construction of aprons and taxi ways. They will be linked to the airport's main runway by March next year.

The government will also be helping Medavia out in its €10.5 million investment through assistance from Malta Enterprise. However, the amount and type of assistance to be granted was not divulged.

Medavia managing director Abdurazagh Zmirli said: "Forming part of an aviation park has been our vision for many years. Now we feel that it is being realised thanks to the commitment of Malta Enterprise and the Malta Industrial Parks."

He explained that the new office block and hangar would be built on the site of an old similar facility that was being dismantled. Materials from the old hangar will be recycled and used in the new environmentally-friendly premises that are planned to be completed by July.

Once Medavia moves to the new facilities, their present offices and hangar will be used by SR Technics, which is to start aircraft maintenance operations in August. SR Technics will operate there for about three years until its new hangar is completed near Lufthansa Technik at the airport's Park Four.

"By the time SR Technics moves out, we hope to have expanded our operations to the point that we will be using both hangars," Mr Zmirli said.

David Xuereb, architect responsible for the project on behalf of Malta Industrial Parks, explained that whereas the current hangar measured 50 by 70 metres, the new one will be 50 by 100 metres.

Roderick Cutajar, from Medavia, explained that the larger hangar was aimed at expanding their operations by taking on more subcontracting for maintenance works. "We will probably also increase our workforce," he said, adding that the Maltese-registered company employed 250 people in Malta and Libya.

(www.timesofmalta.com)

FGS Augsburg in Valletta Port on a courtesy visit

The German naval vessel FGS Augsburg (F 213) - a Bremen Class (Type F122) Frigate - has arrived this morning in Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) on a courtesy visit.

The German Frigate has currently two Super Lynx Mk.88As embarked, 83+04 and 83+22 .

FGS Augsburg is expected to sail from Malta this Thursday, March 11th, at 2000LT.

Malta Int'l Airport releases traffic results for Feb-2010

During the month of February M.I.A. has registered a 6.3% increase in passenger movements over the corresponding month of 2009. This results in an average increase of 6.7% for the first two months of 2010.

The total passenger movements on scheduled and non-scheduled flights in February 2010 was of 148,497 an increase of 8,752 passengers when compared to the corresponding month in 2009. Aircraft movements registered an increase of 3.0% whilst cargo & mail figures decreased by 7.2%.

Passenger traffic for main markets UK, Italy and Spain increased by 3.2%, 16.1%, and 75.6% respectively, whilst Germany registered a decrease of 10.1%.

The busiest days in February 2010 were the 13th with 7,262 passengers and the 20th with 62 aircraft movements.

(www.maltairport.com)

Ryanair announces 41st base in Malta

Ryanair has announced today that it would open its 41st base at Malta in May 2010 with one based aircraft and 19 routes (6 of which will be new).

Ryanair’s new Maltese base will deliver up to 800,000 passengers per year (and sustain 800 jobs in Malta) on over 120 weekly flights as Ryanair invests over US$70 million at Malta Airport.

Ryanair will open six new routes from Malta to Billund, Bologna, Krakow, Marseille, Seville and Valencia and these go on sale on www.ryanair.com tomorrow.

Ryanair celebrated its new 41st E.U. base in Malta by releasing one million €9.99 seats for travel in late March and April (excluding Easter week), which are available for booking until midnight Sunday (7th Mar).

In Malta today, Ryanair’s Colin Casey said:

"Ryanair is delighted to announce Malta as our 41st base with 19 routes from May 2010 which go on sale on www.ryanair.com tomorrow. Maltese consumers/visitors can now beat the recession and escape Air Malta’s high fares by choosing Ryanair’s lowest fares and our no fuel surcharge guarantee to 19 exciting destinations all over Europe including France, Italy, Spain and the UK among others"

(www.ryanair.com)

Agreement reached on Ryanair base in Malta

The government and Ryanair have reached agreement for the low-cost airline to base one and possibly two aircraft in Malta.

Ryainair will also operate six new routes between Malta and European destinations where the airline currently does not have a base. The services will start by the summer, pushing the number of Malta routes on the Ryainair network to 19.

It is hoped the move will attract more visitors to Malta since the trend among modern-day travellers is to go away more often but stay for fewer nights.

The sources said the government - not Ryanair - will have the final say on the routes serviced by the aircraft since it is keen to ensure that routes serviced by other carriers and tour operators are not adversely affected by this agreement. Ryanair agreed to this condition after initial opposition.

Ryanair currently have around 20% of the air travel market in Malta.

The Irish airline saw a 13% increase in passengers to Malta in 2009, helping its market share improve to 15% - second only to Air Malta.

(www.timesofmalta)

New Aviation Park under construction at Safi

A 20-hectare aviation park is being constructed at Safi, a €17 million investment which will help pave the way for SR Technics to start its aircraft maintenance operations in Malta this summer.

The aviation park includes the current Medavia hangar, which will host SR until its own facilities are built next to Lufthansa Technik in about 3 years. Medavia will be moving to a new 100x50m hangar within the park, replacing an older hangar which is currently being demolished.

The park will serve to attract more companies related to the aircraft maintenance industries.

The road leading to Safi will be removed, and access to the town will be through a taxiway outside the present Medavia facilities, which is being converted into a road. The present road’s removal will serve to join the aviation park to the runway.

The project will also force the relocation of part of the AFM compound in Safi, which includes a detention centre for migrants.

Medavia 'new' hangar will be up and running by July to make way for SR, while the entire project should be finished next year.

(www.di-ve.com)