Ryanair flight bound to Malta IAP diverts to Catania-Fontanarossa airport

A Ryanair Boeing B737-800 (EI-ESM), operating flight FR-6695 from Edinburgh (U.K) to Malta International Airport, had to divert to Catania-Fontanarossa airport (Sicily) this morning because of bad weather over Malta. The flight was due at Malta IAP at 11.40 a.m. The aircraft continued with its flight to Malta IAP later on in the afternoon. (27-Dec-2013)

Ash cloud forces Air Malta to cancel three Catania flights

Air Malta has cancelled three flights to Catania following the closure of the city’s airport due to volcanic ash from Mount Etna. Yesterday’s flight KM642/3 and today’s flights KM640/1 and KM642/3 were cancelled. The airline said that this afternoon it will operate an extra flight to Palermo and organise land transport between the two airports. Other passengers from Catania this evening will be re-routed to sea passenger services. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 16-Dec-2013)

Air Malta A320 struck by lightning on approach to Tel Aviv airport

An Air Malta flight to Tel Aviv (opw Airbus A320 '9H-AEO') was this morning hit by lightning during approach to the airport. No one was injured and the aircraft landed safely in Tel Aviv, Air Malta said. 

A spokesman for Air Malta said it was fairly normal in commercial aviation for aircraft to be struck by lightning and aircraft were protected and certified in this regard. Passengers, crew and aircraft were never in any danger. He added that standard procedure entailed that the aircraft is checked after the flight.

So Air Malta was planning to operate a relief aircraft this evening with a team on engineers to service the aircraft, check all systems and certify it fit for flight. This aircraft is expected to arrive in Tel Aviv at around midnight. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 13-Dec-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for November 2013

Airport traffic in November grew by 17.8% compared to the same month last year, extending this year’s record streak to the first full month of the winter season. 

These results were achieved because of an increase in seat capacity by 18% while retaining the same seat load factor. Seat capacity is the number of seats available across all served routes, while the seat load factor refers to the amount of seats taken up as a percentage of the availability.

 "A total of 249,133 passengers were hosted by Malta IAP last month, breaking all previous records for November. This continues to confirm a very positive trend experienced throughout 2013, with one record month after another, even in the first full month of the winter season," said Malta Airport CEO M. Klaushofer. 

The airport hosted more than 3.8 million passengers from January to November which marks a 10.4% increase over the same period last year. The same period also saw a seat capacity increase of 10.2%.

November's success was in part due to massive growth in some major markets. Traffic from the U.K. grew by14.9 % while traffic from Italy grew by 25 %. Traffic also increased in Spain, by 37.2%, and Germany, by 5 %.

Meanwhile, aircraft movements increased by 18.1% in November compared to the same period last year. The maximum take-off weight increased by 15.5% and cargo mail increased by 2.2%.

(Source: maltairport.com, 5-Dec-2013)

Air Malta wet-leases an A320 to Sky Airline, Chile

Air Malta's Airbus A320-214 '9H-AEF' departed from Malta Int'l Airport this morning on winter lease with Sky Airline of Chile. This is the sixth wet-lease agreement between both airlines since 2007. The aircraft will re-join Air Malta's fleet in March 2014.

Lufthansa Technik Malta inaugurates a newly-extended hangar at Malta IAP

Tourism Minister K. Vella this morning reiterated government support to the aviation maintenance sector as he inaugurated a newly-extended hangar at Lufthansa Technik Malta. The extension will enable the company to work simultaneously on three large wide-bodied aircraft. The extension, which cost some €4.5 million, will allow the hangar to accommodate planes such as the Airbus A330 and A340. Lufthansa Technik Malta CEO S. Drewes said the hangar extension would play a pivotal role in bringing large carriers to the island. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 21-Nov-2013)

Vueling to expand operations at Rome-Fiuminco in 2004, announces new flights to Malta IAP

Vueling has launched today at a press conference what will be the largest growth of the company for the next summer season 2014. The airline has presented a 267% growth at the Rome-Fiumicino airport, linking it with a total of 33 direct destinations within Italy and Europe. Vueling will offer its passengers 17 new direct international routes from Rome, including three weekly flights to Malta IAP. (Source: Vueling, 20-Nov-2013)

Niki adds Malta to its 2014 summer schedule

Austrian airline Niki has added Malta to its summer schedule next year. It said it will start flights between Vienna and Malta on Mar. 30. There will be flights on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flights arrive in Malta at 1.20 p.m. and in Vienna at 4.20 p.m. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 14-Nov-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for October 2013

A five-month streak of exceptional performance by the Malta IAP has culminated in a 17.5% increase in passenger movements during October 2013. Compared to October 2012, passenger movements increased to 409,575 passengers, a figure only matched in June during last year.

Traffic from the U.K. grew by 2.4% while traffic from Germany grew by 47.7%. France, Italy and Spain registered growths of 29.8%, 21.1% and 15.6% respectively. Aircraft movements and seat capacity also increased by 14.8% and 15.2% respectively over the same period last year. The average seat load factor duplicate increased by 1.5%, reaching 81.6% while the maximum take-off weight increased by 13.7% and cargo mail increased by 4.7%.

Between January and October, there were over 3.5 million passenger movements, an increase of 9.9% compared to last year. Airport traffic broke records every month this year and September and October reached previously unmatched figures only recorded during peak months. (Source: maltatoday.com.mt, 10-Nov-2013)

Air Malta launches its winter schedule

Air Malta has launched its winter schedule running up to end of March. During this season, the airline plans to operate more than 100 weekly flights and carry over half a million passengers to and from Malta. Customers are being offered a choice of 26 scheduled destinations and connections and services to major European gateways.

"This winter we have increased substantially our frequencies on Russia and will operate three weekly flights on a charter basis to Israel. We have also revised our code share agreements to offer a wider range of destinations as well as enhance flight connections to Malta from destinations beyond our network", chief commercial officer P. Saunders said.

Air Malta will be operating direct flights to/from: Amsterdam, Athens, Benghazi, Berlin, Brussels, Catania, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Istanbul, London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Manchester, Milan, Moscow (Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo), Munich, Paris (Charles de Gaulle and Orly), Rome, Sofia, Tripoli, Vienna and Zurich. 

The airline will also be operating intra-European flights between Amsterdam and Brussels, Catania and Munich as well as between Athens and Sofia. 

(Source: timesofmalta.com, 26-Oct-2013)

Lufthansa Technik Malta expands overhaul capacity

Lufthansa Technik Malta, a subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik, is expanding its hangar capacity for maintenance and overhaul work on Airbus widebody aircraft. With the addition to the smallest of the three hangars in Malta, which has been used to date only for narrowbody aircraft, the building will be able to accommodate aircraft up to the size of an Airbus A330 or A340. The additional, flexible maintenance dock in the enlarged hangar means that engineers and mechanics at the company’s site at Malta International Airport in Luqa can work on up to three widebody aircraft simultaneously. (Source: avitrader.com, 8-Oct-2013)

British Airways returning to Malta in March 2014

British Airways will be returning to Malta in March next year, the company announced. It will be offering a daily flight from and to London-Gatwick starting on March 30. Hand-baggage only tickets in economy will start from £55 one-way, including all taxes and charges. Seats in economy for customers who chose to take a bag, including all taxes and charges, start at £67 one-way and one-way business fares start at £274. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 4-Oct-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for September 2013

Malta International Airport hit yet another record last month as September traffic increased by 10.8% over the same period last year. September saw 452,294 passengers pass through the airport, a great follow up to the more than 500,000 passengers registered in August, M.I.A.’s best month ever.
 
Cumulatively, the results for the first nine months of the year show an increase of nine per cent when compared to the same period last year, thanks mostly to an increase in seat capacity. In all, there were 3.2 million passenger movements for this year so far.

Germany and Italy were the main contributors to September’s success, with increase of 33.7% and 19.1% respectively. Traffic from France grew by 14.9% while U.K. passengers increased by 1.1%. Spain recorded a decrease of 6.4%. 

Aircraft movements and seat capacity also increased by 10.6% and 12.1% respectively in September over the same period last year. The average seat load factor decreased by one percentage point to 84.6%. Meanwhile, the maximum take-off weight increased by 11.2% and cargo mail increased by 3.9%. (Source: maltairport.com. 4-Oct-2013)

Aigle Azur selects SR Technics for maintenance checks in Malta

SR Technics has signed a contract with Aigle Azur Transportes Aeriens, a French airline based in Paris-Orly, to provide C-Checks on two Airbus A319s. The aircraft will be inducted in November and December of this year, and work will be completed out of SR Technics' narrowbody Centre of Excellence in Malta. (Source: SR Technics, 24-Sep-2013)

Ethiopian B752 diverts to Malta IAP due to an engine problem

An Ethiopian Airlines B757-200 (ET-ALZ), performing flight ET-703 from Milan-Malpensa IAP (Italy) via Rome-Fiumcino IAP (Italy) to Addis Ababa-Bole (IAP) with 135 people on board, was enroute at FL350 about 140nm ENE of Malta when the crew reported the right-hand engine (PW2037) had been secured and decided to divert to Malta drifting down to FL240. 

The crew requested emergency services on stand by and advised they were not yet sure about whether they needed to stop on the runway or could vacate the runway, subsequently the crew requested a lower altitude to drift down to. The aircraft drifted down to FL150 and landed safely on Malta's RWY 31 about 40-mins after leaving FL350. The aircraft taxied to the apron without stop. 

The aircraft was able to depart again after about 10 hours on the ground and reached Addis Ababa with a delay of 11 hours. (Source: avherald.com, 19-Sep-2013)

Air Malta cancels three flights as pilots report sick, other flights delayed

Air Malta cancelled flights to Benghazi, Milan and Newcastle today because a large number of pilots reported sick, a spokesman for Air Malta confirmed.

Flights to Tel Aviv, Paris Orly, Cardiff, Budapest, Frankfurt and Vienna were delayed. The delays ranged from just over five hours in the case of the Tel Aviv flight, to two-and-a-half hours for the Cardiff flight.

The spokesman said 18 pilots had reported sick, nine times the norm and 40 per cent of the available pilot complement. The pilots called sick during the night. He said their condition is being investigated.

In a statement the airline regretted the disruption and said it will do its utmost to minimise inconvenience.

So far over 1773 passengers have been impacted and the airline warned that it was likely that more flights would be delayed and some may be cancelled.

The airline said it would do its utmost to provide alternative flights.

(Source: timesofmalta.com, 17-Sep-2013)

Tunisair B735 diverts to Malta IAP due to medical emergency

A Tunisair Boeing B737-500 (TS-IOJ), performing flight TU-814 from Cairo International Airport (Egypt) to Tunis-Carthage International Airport (Tunisair), had to divert to Malta International Airport early this morning, around 0005lt, due to a medical emergency on board. The aircraft continued later with its flight to Tunis-Carthage after 1.5 hours on the ground. (7-Sep-2013)

Armed Forces of Malta acquires two fast rigid dinghies

The Armed Forces of Malta has acquired two Zodiac Hurricane ZH-558 IO Jet drive rigid dinghies to upgrade its fast response capability. The dinghies were acquired through the use of funds from the European Union External Border found. The boats can be launched from platforms on patrol boats. The new dinghies are equipped with a jet propulsion system. Their aluminum hull allows them to operate in heavy seas. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 5-Sep-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for August 2013

More than the equivalent of Malta’s entire population passed through the airport last month: a record total of 507,646 passengers. August 2013 will therefore go down in history as the best month ever for Malta IAP.

The driver behind August’s record passenger movements came from an increase of 11.2% in seat capacity - thanks in part to M.I.A.’s efforts to increase routes and airlines. 

Passenger movements are calculated by adding the number of arrivals and departures, meaning a passenger who enters and leaves Malta in the same month is counted twice.
 
Four of Malta’s five major markets registered growth in August. Italian passengers increased by 17.7%, while passengers from France and Germany grew by 9% and 3.9% respectively. The smallest growth was registered by U.K. passengers, an increase of 1.1%.
 
Between January and August, this year has already seen an increase of 8.7% over the same period last year. Aircraft movements registered an increase of 7% while seat capacity is up by 8.5%. (Source: maltairport.com, 5-Sep-2013)

Air Malta halves operating loss, increases revenue, passenger figures between April and June 2013

Between April and June this year Air Malta halved its operating loss, increased revenue and passenger figures and maintained a steady seat load factor when compared to the same period last year. The airline announced its results for this quarter in a statement today. 

It said it reduced the operating loss for the quarter to €3.3 million (€6.1 million loss during the same period last year). The net result after restructuring costs (largely one-time charges) and interest costs was a loss of €4.9 million (€10.6), as anticipated in the Restructuring Plan approved by the European Commission.

Air Malta said the results were driven by constant improvements in the airline's revenue of €5.7million and by the increases in passenger numbers to 498,692 passengers (+28,908 passengers. The airline registered a seat load factor of 74% over this period. Performance on scheduled flights for the first quarter met expectations and was significantly better than last year.

Air Malta said these figures continued to build on the progress registered during the financial year ended in March. 

On time performance, being reported for the first time in the airline’s quarterly figures, has improved by 5.5% to 84.6%. This measure indicates the percentage of flights that departed within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.

(Source: timesofmalta.com, 4-Sep-2013)

European Pilot Academy light aircraft crash lands in a field in Sicily

A Tecnam P92-JS (9H-EPA) light aircraft owned by Maltese company European Pilot Academy and used for pilot training crash-landed in Catania late this morning after developing a fault. According to preliminary reports, the plane landed in a field close to an airstrip. No one was injured.

Turkish Airlines B739 diverts to Malta IAP due to medical emergency

A Turkish Airlines Boeing B737-900ER (TC-JYA), performing flight TK-597 from Istantbul-Ataturk IAP (Turkey) to Niamey-Diori Hamani Int'l (Niger), had to divert to Malta International Airport this evening around 1905 due to a medical emergency on board. The aircraft continued with its flight to Niamey after 2 hours on the ground. (13-Aug-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for July 2013

Following the 9.2% growth reported for the first half of 2013, passenger movements at Malta IAP in July increased by 5.8% reaching a record number of 471,210 passengers.

In July, aircraft movements and seat capacity increased by 7.7% and 9.0% respectively over the corresponding period last year, whilst the average seat load factor decreased by 2.5% to 82.6%. The maximum take-off weight increased by 7.8% on that registered in July last year, whilst cargo and mail reduced by 4.2%.

All the core markets, registered increases during the month of July with Italy, Spain and Germany showing an increase of 15.5%, 5.1% and 3.2% respectively. The largest market, the U.K., recorded a slight increase 0.5% and the French market increased by 0.3%. 

January - July 2013: The results for the first seven months of the year, in terms of passenger movements therefore show an increase of 8.4% when compared to the same period last year, totalling 2.2million passenger movements. This overall increase in the first seven months was mainly due to the increase in seat capacity. (Source: maltairport.com, 5-Aug-2013)

Finnair signs heavy maintenance contract with SR Technics in Malta

SR Technics has signed a contract with Finnair for the provision of heavy maintenance visits (D-checks), including paint works, on two of the airline’s Airbus A320s. The work will be completed at SR Technics Center of Excellence for narrowbody aircraft maintenance in Malta, and the first aircraft has already been inducted. The contract follows the signing of a cornerstone ten year contract with Finnair in July 2012 for CFM56 engine maintenance, and integrated component services (ICS) support for its Airbus and Embraer fleet. (Source: avitrader.com, 2-Aug-2013)

Multiflight appoints Malta's Maleth-Aero to manage VIP B733

U.K. business aviation services provider Multiflight has appointed Malta-based operator Maleth-Aero to manage and operate its VIP-configured Boeing 737-300. The narrowbody airliner - registration 9H-MTF - can seat up to 60 passengers and carry up to 5t of baggage in the cargo hold, says the Leeds Bradford airport-headquartered company. "You can choose from a 48-seat VIP layout with 16 club-class seats and 32 rear-cabin seats, or 60 VIP seats throughout," it adds. (Source: flightglobal.com / Photo: Multiflight, 31-Jul-2013)

Armed Forces of Malta signs contract for an AW-139 plus two options

AgustaWestland announced that the Armed Forces of Malta has signed a contract for one intermediate twin AW-139 helicopter plus two options, to perform maritime border patrol and SAR missions. 

The plan foresees the acquisition of a total of three aircrafts by 2015 including an Integrated Logistic Support package and the training of ten pilots – including four ab-initio students – as well as 20 technicians. The first helicopter will be delivered within June 2014. 

The order is part of the ongoing plan to strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Malta, who benefit from the European Borders Fund Programme and who have been cooperating for decades, with excellent results, with the Italian Armed Forces. 

The AW-139 will be equipped with a state-of-the-art equipment package for maritime patrol and SAR missions that includes a high-definition FLIR system, search/weather radar, cabin mission console, naval transponder, search light, satellite communication system, a 4-axis autopilot with SAR modes, external rescue hoist and four bag floatation system. 

This state of the art intermediate twin-engine helicopter features the largest cabin in its category for greater mission flexibility and comfort. Litter layout options range from two to four in a medical evacuation configuration. 

Advanced technology and impressive one engine inoperative performance make the AW-139 the medium twin of choice for SAR duties. Two powerful PT6-67A turboshaft engines with FADEC minimise pilot workload and offer high power margins for maximum safety.

(Source: AgustaWestland, 19-Jul-2013)

Malta IAP to waive landing fees in winter for third consecutive year

For the third consecutive year, Malta Airport will once again be giving a 100% refund to all scheduled airlines on all their landing fees for the coming winter season (Nov 2013 – Mar 2014) with the aim to further stimulate traffic during the shoulder/winter months. 

This initiative forms part of Malta IAP’s Incentive Programme for airlines, aimed to attract airlines interested to start off their operations to Malta or looking at increasing their presence on the Maltese Islands. The Programme includes incentives such as the waiving of the night surcharge as well as free aircraft parking for scheduled passenger flights, both valid all year round. Another initiative included in the Incentive Programme is that aimed at increasing non-EU traffic. (Source: maltairport.com, 10-Jul-2013)

Wizz Air to keep Budapest route to Malta in winter season

Wizz Air said today that its new Budapest-Malta route which kicked off in May, will continue in winter. In its announcement, Wizz Air said that Malta flights to and from Hungary’s capital in winter will be on Saturdays. They are available for booking on wizzair.com with one-way fares starting from €29.99. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 5-Jul-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for Jan-Jun 2013

Passenger traffic at Malta IAP for the first half of 2013 registered an increase of 9.2%, and reached a record 1,726,486 passenger movements. This increase was primarily due to the increase of 7.6% in seat capacity. One of the most remarkable points in these results is that notwithstanding the increase in seat capacity, the average seat load factor registered a further growth of 1%, reaching a record 75.1%.

Between January and June of this year, the number of aircraft movements increased by 5.9%, with the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) increasing by 6.7%, whereas cargo and mail decreased by 6.9% over the same period in 2012.

When looking at the top markets, the Italian market registered the highest growth for the first six months of 2013 with an increase of 16.9%. The French market followed with an increase of 14.6% and the U.K. market registered a 5.5% increase. The German and Spanish markets registered decreases of 2% and 8.5% respectively. 

June: Passenger movements at Malta IAP kept on sustaining the growth trend registered in previous months and grew by 9.7% reaching a record 411,851 passengers. Aircraft movements registered higher levels with an increase of 8.1% and seat capacity grew by 9.2%. The average seat load factor went up by 0.4% over the same month last year. In June, there was also an increase of 8% in the MTOW, whereas cargo and mail registered a staggering 22.5% increase.

(Source: maltairport.com, 4-Jul-2013)

Air Malta near miss in Swiss airspace

An Air Malta plane flying to Malta from Brussels was involved in a near-miss incident over Swiss airspace last Thursday, Times of Malta has learnt. The aircraft’s captain was forced to take evasive action after the Airbus’s Traffic Collision Avoidance System was triggered. Sources said the Air Malta aircraft and an unidentified aircraft were within roughly 500 feet of each other. KM421 had 157 passengers on board.

The Air Malta plane descended to avoid incident after the alarm was triggered off and Swiss air traffic control also alerted the captain about the potential danger. Sources said it was not yet known whether the case was triggered by a mistake by the other captain or whether an instruction by the Geneva ATC was misunderstood. Investigations were ongoing.

Air Malta confirmed the incident and said a report would be sent to the Geneva authorities. "The captain spoke to the passengers, explained what had happened and the flight continued to Malta without further incident," an airline spokesman said. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 3-Jul-2013)

Ryanair to add routes and increases flights to/from Malta this winter

Ryanair will be adding Krakow, Liverpool and Milan to its winter schedule, Malta representative L. Fernandez-Mellado said this morning. He told a news conference that the routes were already on the airline’s summer schedule. In winter, Ryanair will go to and from Krakow once weekly, Liverpool twice a week and Milan five times a week.

The airline will also be adding one weekly flight to Bristol, Edinburgh and Luton bringing its flights to these destinations up to three, two and five respectively. Mr Fernandez-Mellado said Ryanair currently operated 30 routes in summer and, with the new additions, it will have 20 routes in winter. These new winter flights are expected to produce a 28% growth in capacity. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 28-Jun-2013)

First ever German Navy P-3 Orion for Malta Int'l Airshow 2013

After the German Navy had already confirmed its participation in this year's Airshow with a Dornier 228MR coming from Marinefliegergeschwader 3 based at Nordholz, the same squadron will also participate with its other aircraft type for Maritime Surveillance and anti submarine warfare the P-3C Orion. The squadron has eight of these aircraft.

With a German Navy P-3C to add to our list of participants the organising committee of The Malta International Airshow is overwhelmed, since this aircraft in German Navy insignia will be participating in the Malta Airshow for the first time. (Source: maltairshow, 26-Jun-2013)

Italo-Maltese aero-naval exercise Canale 2013 starts on Sunday

Canale 2013, the bilateral Italo-Maltese aero-naval exercise is being held in Malta between Sunday, June 16, and Friday, June 21. 

The exercise, which is now in its 19th edition, aims to promote co-operation and peace in the Mediterranean region, with particular emphasis on strengthening the cooperation between the ‘5+5 Initiative’ partners. Exercise training activities will focus on maritime Search-and-Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (operations and Recognised Maritime Picture.

Canale 2013 is organised jointly by Armed Forces of Malta (Training Branch) and the Italian Joint Operational Headquarters. It is coordinated by the AFM Maritime Squadron and involves naval and air units deriving from Mediterranean countries forming part of the 5 + 5 process. Algeria, France, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia have accepted the invitation to take part with surface/air assets or personnel.

(Source: timesofmalta.com, 14-Jun-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for May 2013

Passenger movements at Malta IAP grew by 9.8% during May 2013 reaching 377,948 passengers – which is yet another record for the month under review. This increase is predominantly driven by the increase of 9.7% in seat capacity. 

Aircraft movements registered an increase of 8.3%. The average seat load factor remained flat, with an increase of 0.1% over the same month last year. The increase in aircraft movements resulted also in an increase in the Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 9%, whilst cargo and mail registered a decrease of 13.7%.

Four of the five major markets registered growth during May 2013 when compared to the same month last year. The highest increase – 23% – was registered in the French market, followed by an increase of 14% in the Italian market, 3.5% in the Spanish market, and 1.9% from the U.K. The German market registered a decrease of 8.2%.

January – May 2013: Passenger traffic for the period between January and May 2013 registered an impressive increase of 9% over last year. Aircraft movements registered an increase of 5.3% when compared to the same period in 2012. Seat capacity was 7.2% more whilst the average seat load factor increased by 1.2%. In the same period, the MTOW increased by 6.3% whereas cargo and mail decreased by 3.2% over the same period in 2012. 

(Source: maltairport.com, 5-Jun-2013

Emirates to resume services to Libya via Malta on September 1

Emirates will restart passenger flights to Tripoli from September 1st 2013. Emirates’ three-weekly flights to Tripoli, served by a Boeing 777-200ER in a three-class configuration, will make a quick stop in Malta every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Under the new schedule, Emirates’ flight EK745 will leave Dubai at 0930lt arriving in Malta at 1325lt. The service will depart Malta 1445lt arriving in Tripoli at 1555lt. The return flight will leave Tripoli International Airport at 1725lt and will land in Dubai at 0100lt. (Source: breakingtravelnews.com, 29-May-2013)

Turkish Airlines launches Istanbul-Malta route

Turkish Airlines launched today its new route between Istanbul-Atatürk and Malta International Airport.

This first flight – operated with an Airbus A320, registration TC-JPF – touched down at Malta IAP around 1435lt and it was welcomed by a water arch by Malta IAP's fire engines on the taxiway leading to apron-9.

Turkish Airlines will be operating three weekly flights between Istanbul and Malta IAP this summer season, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

(25-May-2013)

Austrian Airlines F100 diverts to Malta IAP due to medical emergency

An Austrian Airlines Fokker 100 (OE-LVI), performing flight AUA892 from Tripoli-International (Libya) to Vienna-Schwechat (Austria), had to divert to Malta International Airport this afternoon after a boy on board the plane was taken ill.

Sources said the boy was being taken to the Austrian capital for treatment after a traffic accident in Libya. His condition suddenly deteriorated on the flight.
The boy was transferred to a waiting ambulance and rushed to Mater Dei Hospital.

The aircraft continued with its flight to Vienna after a 1.5 hours on the ground. (23-May-2013)

Austrian Airlines F100 diverts to Malta AIP due to low visibility at Tripoli

An Austrian Airlines Fokker 100 (OE-LVN), performing flight AUA891 from Vienna-Schwechat (Austria) to Tripoli-International (Libya), had to divert to Malta International Airport this afternoon due to low visibility at Tripoli airport because of a sand storm. The aircraft departed back to Vienna after a two hours technical stop. (22-May-2013)

Air Malta to launch Malta-Algiers route on June 17

Air Malta will start serving a new scheduled service to Algeria's capital, Algiers on June 17. There will be two weekly flights - on Mondays and Thursdays and Air Malta expected to carry 6,000 passengers on the route this summer. 

Commenting on this new service, Air Malta's chief commercial officer Philip Saunders said "this is good news for Malta and Algeria. Our flights will offer much needed connectivity and are expected to facilitate and enhance business opportunities between the two countries." (Source: timesofmalta.com, 17-May-2013)

Wizz Air launches Budapest-Malta route

Low cost-carrier Wizz Air launched today its new route between Budapest-Liszt Ferenc International and Malta International Airport.

This first flight – operated with an Airbus A320, registration HA-LPE – touched down at Malta IAP around 0855lt and it was welcomed by a water arch by Malta IAP's fire engines on the taxiway leading to apron-9.

Wizz Air will be operating two weekly flights between Budapest and Malta IAP this summer season, on Mondays and Thursdays.

(17-May-2013)

airBaltic launches Riga-Malta route

Latvian carrier airBaltic launched today its new route between Riga International Airport and Malta International Airport.

This first flight – operated with a Boeing B737-500, registration YL-BEE – touched down at Malta IAP around 1210lt and it was greeted by a water arch by Malta IAP's fire engines on the taxiway leading to apron-9.

airBaltic will be operating one weekly flight between Riga IAP and Malta IAP this summer season, on Sundays.

(12-May-2013)

Monarch Airlines kicks off East Midlands-Malta route

Monarch Airlines started off its East Midlands-Malta operation with the first flight – an Airbus A321 – touching down yesterday, Tuesday 7th May, at 2025hrs and welcomed by a water arch on the taxiway by the Malta Airport Fire & Rescue team.

Passengers were welcomed with flowers handed out by dancers in traditional Maltese costumes, courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority. Malta airport also prepared a cake for the occasion, highlighting the airline's brand, the Maltese flag and the Union Jack. (Source: Monarch Airlines, 8-May-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for April 2013

Passenger movements at Malta IAP grew by 8.9% during the month of April reaching 331,369, i.e. the highest number ever registered in April. This was brought about by an increase of 10.7% in the seat capacity for the month, which reached 440,430.

The average seat load factor registered a slight decrease of 1.3% when compared to April 2012, reaching 75.2%, whilst aircraft movements for the month were 9.4% more than those in the corresponding period last year. The Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) was 9.9% higher, whilst cargo and mail registered a decrease of 5.7% on that registered during the same month in 2012.

The U.K., Italian and Spanish markets all registered increases in April, with 3.6%, 13.8%, and 0.8% respectively, whereas the German market registered a decrease of 3.2% and the French market decreased by 0.7%.

January – April 2013: Between January and April, passenger movements increased by 8.7%, with aircraft movements registering an increase of 4.2% over the same first four months of 2012. The seat capacity increased by 6.3% whereas the average seat load factor increased by 1.7% over the same period in 2012. In the same period, the MTOW increased by 5.3% whereas Cargo and Mail was more or less the same with a decrease of 0.1% over the same period of 2012.

(Source: maltairport.com, 6-May-2013)

Transavia.com France launches Paris-Malta route

Transavia.com France launched today its new route between Paris-Orly and Malta International Airport.

This first flight – operated with a Boeing B737-800, registration F-GZHE – touched down at Malta IAP around 1815lt and it was greeted by a water arch by Malta IAP's fire engines on the taxiway leading to apron-9.

Transavia.com France will be operating two weekly flights between Paris-Orly and Malta IAP this summer season, on Mondays and Thursdays.

(25-Apr-2013)

Air Malta to dry lease an A319 to Atlantic Airways of the Faroe Islands

Air Malta is to lease an Airbus A319-100 to Atlantic Airways of the Faroe Islands for 41 months. The leased aircraft will be based at Vágar Airport and will operate to airports in Denmark, U.K., Spain, Norway and Iceland.

The dry lease (meaning aircraft without pilots) will start in early May. The aircraft (9H-AEJ) will be de-registered from the Maltese aircraft register and will be given the new registration of OY-RCH.

As a result, Air Malta will be operating a ten-aircraft fleet, meeting the required capacity under the terms of its Restructuring Plan approved by the European Commission. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 25-Apr-2013)

Alitalia A320 diverts to Malta IAP due to low visibility at Tripoli

An Alitalia Airbus A320-200 (EI-DSJ), performing flight AZA868 from Rome-Fiumicino (Italy) to Tripoli-International (Libya), had to divert to Malta International Airport this afternoon due to low visibility at Tripoli airport because of a sand storm. The aircraft continued with its flight to Tripoli after one-hour technical stop. (24-Apr-2013)

Air Malta losses reached €25 million for the year ended on March 31, 2013

Tourism Minister K. Vella said at the opening of the AMITEX travel fair this evening that Air Malta's losses in the year which ended in March were €25 million - €10 million more than the operational losses revealed last week. He said the airline was not out of the woods yet and hard work still had to be done, although he was confident in the airline's future.

When questioned by reporters, outgoing chairman L. Farrugia was non-committal and said he still had to await the review of the new board. Mr Farrugia said the airline was half-way through its restructuring process. The airline had managed to make significant progress, reducing its spending and raising its revenue, he said, while the government had pumped €230 million in the company, including €128 million in share capital. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 18-Apr-2013)

Air Malta A320 returns to Malta IAP due to a possible bird strike on departure

An Air Malta Airbus A320-200 (9H-AEN), performing flight KM454 from Malta IAP to Lyon-St Exupery (France), was climbing out RWY 23 when the crew reported to Malta ATC of a possible bird strike to an engine on departure. The crew stopped the climb and returned to Malta IAP for a safe landing about 30 minutes after departure. A spokesman for Air Malta said the aircraft returned to Malta as a precautionary measure. After the aircraft by inspected by Air Malta engineers, it was certified safe and resumed the flight to Lyon after 1-hr. (11-Apr-2013)

Ryanair B738 scraps tail on take-off from Malta IAP

A Ryanair B737-800 (EI-DWP), performing flight FR3883 from Malta IAP to Luton (U.K.), departed Luqa airport's RWY 13 when upon rotation for take-off the crew received indication the tail of the aircraft had contacted the runway surface. The crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet and returned to Malta for a safe landing on RWY 13 about 35 minutes after departure. The flight to Luton will be operated by another Ryanair aircraft. (9-Apr-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for Q1 2013

Passenger traffic at Malta IAP for the first quarter of 2013 registered an increase of 8.6% when compared to the same period in 2012. This increase is equivalent to 47,721 passenger movements.

The seat capacity in the first three months of 2013 increased by 4.1% (from 806,899 to 839,683). The average seat load factor for the quarter was more than that achieved in the same period last year and grew by 3% (from 69.1% to 72.1%). Cargo and mail for the first three months were marginally higher than the first quarter of 2012, with an increase of 1.8%, whilst the maximum take-off weight increased by 3.1%.

A look at the airport’s core markets reveals that the U.K. had a considerable increase of 9.9% over 2012. Italy also fared very well with an increase of 16.7%, whereas Germany is in third place with a negligible increase of 0.3%. France also registered a huge increase of 22.8%, whilst Libya enjoyed a staggering increase of 52.5% on the passenger traffic achieved between January and March of 2012.

March 2012: Passenger movements at Malta IAP in March 2013 reached 249,360. The increase in passenger movements, when compared to the same month last year, is equivalent to 12.3%. Seat capacity for the month was 4.3% more than last year, whilst the average seat load factor increased by 5.6% over March 2012. When analysing March results, one must take into consideration the fact that it includes some travel related to the Easter period and which last year occurred in April.

(Source: maltairport.com, 5-Apr-2013)

airBaltic to launch Riga-Malta route on May 12th

Latvian airline airBaltic will launch a weekly Malta-Riga service on May 12, continuing up to mid-October. The service was formally launched this morning in the presence of Tourism Minister and senior airline officials.

The airline's vice-president, J. Vanangs, described airBaltic as a mid-range airline, and said that while it was a gateway to Latvia, it also offered excellent connections to other destinations in Scandinavia and Russia. 

Mr. Vanangs said initial bookings were very positive. The airline in connection with the Malta Tourism Authority has brought over several Latvian journalists who are being shown around Malta. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 4-Apr-2013)

Air Malta A319 diverts to Catania airport, Italy, after smoke was detected in an oven in the rear galley

An Air Malta Airbus A319-100 (9H-AEJ), performing flight KM328 from Malta International Airport to Frankfurt Am Main International (Germany) had to divert to Catania-Fontanrossa (Sicily, Italy) this afternoon, when being ten minutes north of the sicilian coast, after smoke was detected in an oven in the rear galley. All passengers and crew disiembarked the aircraft normally. After the aircraft was inspected, it was later declared serviceable and resumed the flight to Frankfurt after a four-hour stop. (2-Apr-2013)

Air Madagascar A343 diverts to Malta IAP due to medical emergency on board

An Air Madagascar Airbus A340-300 (TF-EAB), performing flight MDG050 from Antananarivo-Ivato Int'l (Madagascar) to Paris-Chales de Gaulle (France), had to divert to Malta IAP this morning due to a sick male passenger on board. The aircraft landed on RWY 31 around 0755LT. It departing again to Paris-Charles de Gaulle around 1100LT. (31-Mar-2013)

HiFly Malta to offer two ex-Virgin Atlantic Airways A346s for wet-lease

HiFly Malta plans to launch operations later this spring with two ex-Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A340-600s (9H-SEA, c/n 383 and 9H-SUN, c/n 416) according to a report by Skyliner Aviation. Portuguese ACMI specialist Hi Fly announced earlier this year that it would set-up a new Maltese carrier. (Source: ch-aviation.ch, 29-Mar-2013)

Red Arrows confirms participation at the Malta Int'l Airshow 2013

Acknowledged as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, will be performing in Malta's skies this September 28th and 29th at the Malta International Airshow.

2013 will be the 49th display season for the Red Arrows in which they will continue to enthrall, captivate and inspire millions of people around the world with a series of displays and flypasts at a wide variety of events.  

After last year’s last-minute diversion to Sardegna due to unforeseen circumstance that forced the cancellation of the team performing in Malta, the expectation for the Red Arrows is even higher this year. It is a great honour for Malta and the Malta Aviation Society to welcome the Red Arrows back to Malta with a nine-ship display lasting around 25-mins each day. 

 The Red Arrows are expected to arrive on Friday, September 27th.

(Source: maltairshow.com, 21-Mar-2013)

2012 another record financial year for M.I.A. plc

Following a meeting of the Board of Directors held earlier today, it was announced that in 2012, Malta International Airport plc's total comprehensive income for the year net of tax increased from €11.9 to a record €12.46 million, signifying an increase of 4.71% over the previous year. 

Revenue increased from €52.4 million to €52.8 million. Although there was an increase of 4.1% in the number of passengers, the revenue from the airport segment decreased from €39.2 million to €38.3 million whilst the revenue from the Retail & Property Segment increased from €12.6 million to €14.1 million.

The earnings before Interest, Taxation Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) increased by 4.05%; from €24.79 million to €25.8 million and the EBITDA margin increased from 47.28% to 48.84%. There was also an increase in profit before tax. Profit increased from €18.92 million to €19.46 million, an increase of 2.8%.
 
These results reflect the increased volume of traffic as well as the strict control exercised on the costs of the Group, in a business environment which has a high level of fixed costs.
 
In so far as the operating costs are concerned, these were marginally lower than those of 2011. Utility costs were up from €2.8 million to €3.1 million, maintenance costs of buildings and equipment were up from €1.53 million to €1.71 million, and marketing costs were also up from €2.53 million to €2.83 million. There were also marginal increases in other operational costs such as legal and professional fees, rents payable, charges for service for persons with reduced mobility, staff costs and security fees. 

(Source: maltairport.com, 20-Mar-2013)

Malta IAP ranks as the second airport in Europe in the ACI's ASQ awards

Malta Int'l Airport has once again ranked as one of the top airports in Europe, as it was just announced that it has ranked as second across all categories for 2012 in the annual Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) passenger survey. This follows two consecutive first placings achieved in 2010 and 2011 in this same survey. (Source: maltairport.com, 11-Mar-2013)

Air Malta to increase substantially its flight capacity to Russia this summer

This summer Air Malta will be increasing its seat capacity by 50% to/from Russia and is committed to float over 82,700 seats on its Russian routes to St. Petersburg, and on Moscow's Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo airports. This was announced yesterday by Air Malta's Chief Commercial Officer, P. Saunders during a speech at the ITB fair held in Berlin. (Source: Air Malta plc, 8-Mar-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for February 2013

Passenger movements at Malta IAP for the month of Feb-2013 increased by 4.2% when compared to the same month last year, reaching an all-time record of 176,818. Seat capacity for the month increased to 249,144 seats, i.e. 1.6% more than Feb-2012. The average seat load factor grew by 1.8% in this same month, reaching a record 71%.
 
The U.K. remained the top market for this month, with an increase of 7.4% over the same period last year. Italy went up one placing to second largest market for February, with a considerable increase of 16.3%. The German market in February was the third largest with a decrease of 5.8%. On the other hand, France kept its fourth placing with a remarkable increase of 19.4%. The largest increase was registered by Libya which climbed up from eighth market to fifth, with an impressive increase of 67.3%. 

January – February 2013: For the first two months of the year, passenger movements increased by 6.1% with a total of 356,061; whereas aircraft movements increased by 1.6% and seat capacity increased by 3.9%. In the same period, the average seat load factor registered an increase of 1.4%, the minimum take-off weight increased by 2.8%, whereas cargo and mail were 4.3% higher than same period last year. (Source: maltairport.com, 4-Mar-2013)

Lufthansa to increase flights to Malta IAP in the forthcoming summer season

Lufthansa will be operating its largest ever summer schedule to/from Malta in 2013, the airline announced this morning. Weekly arrivals to Malta from the airline's German hubs of Frankfurt and Munich will increase from eight today to 19 in August. Lufthansa made the decision to increase summer flights after it carried 150,000 passengers to/from the island last year.

The new summer schedule means:

• From April 6, there will be double daily flights from Malta to Frankfurt on weekends and three weekly flights to Munich.
• From August 1, there will be twice daily flights to Frankfurt all week and five weekly flights to Munich.

Mr Schaeffer said these flights offer Maltese travellers extensive options for transatlantic connections to the the U.S.A., Canada, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and south-east Asia, as well as major German and European cities. (Source: Lufthansa, 4-Mar-2013)

HiFly Ltd applies for air operators certificate in Malta

HiFly, a world player in aircraft wet lease operations, has applied for an air operators certificate for its sister company HiFly Ltd., in Malta. Transport Malta said the certificate should see the phasing in of the first of a number of wide-bodied aircraft under the Maltese aviation registry. The company wants to have a dedicated team in Malta and is shortlisting offices to rent. It will also shortly embark on a recruitment process for the required ground personnel and air crew. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 22-Feb-2013)

Turkish Airlines to start operating to Malta this summer

Turkish Airlines, one of the leading European airlines, today announced that it will be flying between Istanbul and Malta as of this summer. The announcement was made during a news conference held at Auberge d’Italie in Valletta. Turkish Airlines representative Muhammed Soner Aydin said that the airline will operate three weekly flights to Malta (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays), linking Malta to the worldwide network of Turkish Airlines. The airline – which forms part of Star Alliance – flies to 217 cities, 219 airports. (Source: maltairport.com, 22-Feb-2013)

Air Malta to operate charter flights to seven U.K. regional airports

This summer season, between May and October, Air Malta will again operate weekly charter flights to/from seven regional airports in the United Kingdom. In line with demand and operations in previous years, Air Malta will operate charter flights to/from Birmingham and Cardiff with two flights every week on Tuesdays and Fridays, and weekly flights on Tuesdays to/from Bristol, Exeter, Newcastle, Norwich and Glasgow airports.

These charter flights increase accessibility to the islands from regional U.K. airports and thus offer travellers the opportunity to travel out and back from their nearest home airport. Furthermore, such flights also attract the interest of the Maltese traveller to visit family and friends in various cities in the United Kingdom. The operation of such regional services was made possible thanks to the support received from tour operators and travel trade partners in the areas. (Source: Air Malta, 19-Feb-2013)

Corsair B744 diverts to Malta IAP due to medical emergency on board

A Corsair International Boeing B747-400 (F-HLOV), performing flight CRL952 from Paris-Orly (France) to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Int'l, Plaisance (Mauritius), had to divert to Malta IAP this evening due to a sick female passenger on board. The aircraft landed on RWY 31 around 2025LT and departing again to Mauritius around 2205LT. (15-Feb-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for January 2013

Passenger movements at Malta IAP for the first month of the year reached 179,243; which is an 8% increase when compared to January 2012. The average seat load factor hit 66.3%, denoting an increase of 1.1% when compared to Jan-2012. Aircraft movements for the month increased by 4.1% over Jan-2012. Likewise, the seat capacity for the month reached 270,400, i.e. an increase of 6.2% over Jan-2012. The maximum take-off weight was 4.9% higher than the corresponding period of 2012, whilst cargo and mail registered a staggering 29.3% increase over Jan-2012.

The Italian market registered the highest increase in absolute figures, with 5,808 more passenger movements, equivalent to an increase of 17.8% on those in January 2012. The U.K. market registered an increase of 3,892 passenger movements, resulting in an increase of 6.8%, whereas Libya has seen an increase of 2,115 passenger movements, translating in an increase of 45.6%. The French market registered an increase of 1,163 passenger movements, i.e. an increase of 20.8%. The German market retracted slightly and registered a negligible decrease of 42 passenger movements, i.e. 0.2% less than those in the corresponding period in 2012. (Source: maltaiport.com, 4-Feb-2013)

Air Malta announces its third quarter (Oct-Dec 2012) results, an operating loss for the quarter of €4.8 million

Air Malta announced its third quarter (Oct-Dec 2012) results that, according to the airline, "confirm steady financial progress. During this period the airline has halved its operating loss, increased its revenue, seat load factor and passenger figures over the same period last year."

The national airline has reduced the operating loss for the quarter to €4.8 million (Q3 2011: €9.8 million loss). The net result position after restructuring costs (largely one-time charges) and interest costs is a loss of  €8.5 million (Q3 2011: €11.9 million loss), as anticipated in the restructuring plan approved by the European Commission.  

These figures continue to build on the progress registered in the first two quarters of the financial year and show that the airline is on track to achieve its stated milestone of halving last year's €30 million operating loss in the current financial year.  

It said that these positive interim third quarter results were driven by constant improvements of the airline's revenue (+9.7% to €47.7 million), passengers numbers (+3.5% to 377,951 passengers) and seat load factor (+1.0% to 75.1%). 

(Source: maltastar.com, 25-Jan-2013)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for 2012

Passenger movements at Malta International Airport in 2012 reached 3.65 million, an increase of 4.1% over 2011. Aircraft movements at Malta IAP increased slightly by 182 which is 0.6% more when compared to 2011 whilst seat capacity increased by almost 50,000, which is equivalent to 1.1%.

Air Malta had 1,660,545 passenger movements, registering a negligible decrease of 1.1% on figures registered in 2011, and which resulted in a share of 45.5% of total traffic. It is followed by Ryanair with a traffic share of 25.4% equivalent to 925,880 passenger movements meaning an increase of 17.6% and easyJet with a traffic share of 8.8% equivalent to 319,601 passenger movements meaning a decrease of 6.3%.

Malta IAP's main markets for 2012 were the U.K. with a share of 30% or 1,106,436 passenger movements, +1.9% over 2011. This was followed by Italy with 17% or 619,575 passenger movements, +0.5% over 2011; and Germany with 15% or 539,119 passenger movements, +3.5% over 2011.

Legacy carriers have increased their passenger numbers marginally by 0.8%, with their overall market share registering a decrease of 1.8% to 57% (62% in 2010, 58.8% in 2011). Low-cost carriers increased their market share by 2% to 36.4% (32% in 2010, 34.4% in 2011) with an increase of 10.1% in passenger movements. Charter operations have retained their 7% share from total traffic as in 2011 (6% in 2010) with an increase of 2% in their passenger movements.

Malta International Airport plc is forecasting that passenger numbers for 2013 will be around 1.5% more than the record 3.65 million achieved in 2012, that is c. 3.7 million.

(Source: maltairport.com, 22-Jan-2013)

easyJet A320 makes emergency landing at Malta IAP

An easyJet Airbus A320-200 (G-EZTF), performing flight EZY8824 from Malta IAP to London-Gatwick, U.K., was forced to return back to Malta IAP for an emergency after the crew had to shut down engine #1 shortly after departure. The aircraft landed safely on RWY 31 at 1248lt, 20-mins after departing from the same runway. The aircraft stopped briefly on the runway while the fire team inspected the portside side of the aircraft. After it was cleared, the aircraft taxied to apron-9 under its own power. (21-Jan-2013)