Malta-based Air X adds two B735s to its fleet

Malta-based air charter company airX has added two 44-seat Boeing 737-500 aircraft to its fleet. They are configured for executive business charter for larger groups such as government delegations, football teams and bands, company chairman J.B. Matthews said today.

Speaking during the launch of the 2014 Malta International Airshow 2014, of which airX is the title sponsor, Mr Matthews  said the company had signed Southampton FC as a client for the B735s for the forthcoming football season. 

"airX is increasingly becoming the air charter operator of choice for more and more A-list celebrities and VIPs. At the last count, our famous passenger list totalled over 100 celebrities and VIPs," he said. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 21-Aug-2014)

Jet 2 to operate Glasgow-Malta service from next summer

British low-cost airline Jet2 has announced it will operate a Malta-Glasgow service as from summer next year. The airline also announced new services from Glasgow to Prague, Cyprus and Antalya in Turkey. Jet2 is a subsidiary of the Dart Group PLC. It operates Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 757-200s. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 13-Aug-2014)

Italy's Guardia Costiera confirms participation at 2014 Malta International Airshow

The Guardia Costiera Italiana officially known as The Italian Corps of the Port Captaincies and Italian Coast Guard to some of us, has confirmed that an AugustaWestland AW-139 helicopter shall participate in this year's edition of the airX Malta International Airshow with a static display. 

The AgustaWestland AW139 is a 15-seat medium sized twin-engined helicopter developed and produced principally by AgustaWestland. The Guardia Costiera AW139 role is that of Search and Rescue. The Italian Coast Guard has 4 Aw139's, with deliveries taking place between July 2010 and February 2011. (Source: maltairshow.com, 13-Aug-2014)

Air Malta secures its European AOC

Air Malta has announced it has secured its European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-sanctioned Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate of Transport. All European-based carriers are expected to have secured their respective EASA AOCs by Oct. 28th of this year.

"The extensive process for applying and obtaining regulatory approval involved a gap analysis between the current and new legislation. In order to comply with the new Regulations and transition to an EASA AOC, Air Malta was required to perform a thorough review of all policies and procedures," Air Malta said.

Among the certification's new measures is the introduction of a Safety Management System (SMS), which replaces the current Accident Prevention and Flight Safety Programme. The airline says it introduced SMS earlier this year in winter and in the process changed its safety processes and held appropriate SMS training for its entire workforce. (Source: ch-aviation.com, 12-Aug-2014)

Ryanair's Malta-bound flight from Madrid diverts to Trapani

A Ryanair Boeing B737-800 (EI-ENP), operating flight FR-5383 from Madrid-Barajas to Malta Int'l Airport, had to divert to Trapani in Sicily this afternoon after a passenger fell sick on board. The flight was due at Malta IAP at 1311lt. The flight then continued to Malta IAP landing at 1452lt.

WizzAir to start Warsaw-Malta service in April 2015

WizzAir on Wednesday announced planned expansion at Warsaw Chopin Airport in 2015, which sees the introduction of 5th based aircraft and 8 new routes. Amongst the planned new routes is the launching of a weekly flight between Warsaw and Malta IAP with effect from Apr. 5th, 2015. (Source: WizzAir, 6-Aug-2014)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for July 2014

Malta IAP hosted a record 511,243 passengers in July, marking an increase of 8.5% when compared to the same month last year.

These figures reinforce M.I.A. plc's decision to revise its forecast for the rest of the year. CEO M. Klaushofer announced last week that the aiRport was now expecting a year-on-year growth of 4.2%, revised from 2% originally forecast in January. This followed six record months which accounted for more than 1.8 million passenger movements.

July's figures were due to an overall seat capacity increase of 8.2% and a 0.2% increase in seat load factor, reaching 82.8% for the month. Aircraft movements for the month rose by 8.2%.

Traffic from the U.K. grew by 9.4% in July, as a result of the increased capacity to and from London-Gatwick. Traffic from Italy and France rose by 15% and 19.9% respectively, due to further growth in these markets over the July period. Traffic to and from Germany increased by 6.1%. (Source: maltairport.com, 5-Aug-2014)

Air Malta to launch scheduled services to Djerba, Tunisia

Air Malta will introduce scheduled services to Djerba airport in Tunisia with effect from this Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014. This decision was taken due to increased passenger demand from this airport due to the situation in Libya. The Air Malta flights will be operated twice weekly every Thursday and Sunday till Oct. 23, 2014. (Source: Air Malta, 6-Aug-2014)

AFM inaugurates their new twin engine AW-139 helo

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) this morning proudly inaugurated their new twin engine AW-139 helicopter (AS1428) at Air Wing Base, Luqa.  

Following an inspection of the Honour Guard, AFM Commander Brig. J. Curmi addressed those present. He said that "The acquisition of the AW-139 is a milestone in Malta's Military aviation history. This new rotary wing aircraft will increase safety standards for AFM personnel and provide superior capabilities for night operations and poor weather conditions."

The Hon. Dr E. Mallia, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, expressed deep satisfaction with this project and said that "this is not only proof of the government's commitment towards the AFM but is also indicative of Malta's border and security policy." Dr Mallia also mentioned the operational advantages of possessing an air asset of such high caliber and took the opportunity to thank the families of military personnel that work on these assets around the clock.

The AW-139 costed around 15 million Euros and was purchased with the help of E.U. funds through the External Border Control with a co-financing rate of 75% E.U. funds and 25% National Funds.  This is the first of two aircraft which have been purchased by the AFM with the second helicopter expected in December. (Source: Armed Forces of Malta)