Swedish Coast Guard Poseidon calls at Valletta Port

The Swedish Coast Guard Poseidon-class multi-purpose vessel Poseidon (KBV 001) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit. This is her tenth visit in Valletta Port this year.

KBV 001 is currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea as part of European Union's Joint-Operation Triton run by Frontex.

The Swedish Coast Guard is presently berthing alongside in Valletta Port and she's expected to sail from Malta in the coming days after a short stay (29-Aug-2015)

Air Malta flight to Manchester turns back in security precaution

An Air Malta flight to Manchester (KM-146) turned back to Malta IAP this afternoon because of a security issue. The flight was aborted as a security precaution because of a discrepancy between the number of passengers and the luggage checked in, the airline said. The flight departed at about 1600lt but turned back shortly before reaching Sicily. The aircraft, an Airbus A319, landed safely. Air Malta said the matter is under investigation. It said it gives utmost importance to the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew and it apologised to its clients for any inconvenience caused. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 28-Aug-2015)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register update

Transport Malta/Directorate of Civil Aviation published today the latest update of the Maltese Aircraft Register.

New addition/s: 

• 9H-FLN - Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 (c/n. 9353), registered to Albinati Aviation Ltd. (ex OH-MAL)

Cancellation/s: none

(Source: Transport Malta, 24-Aug-2015)

Five Air Malta flights delayed because of technical fault

Five Air Malta flights have been delayed - one of them for 12 hours - because of a technical fault involving an aircraft. An Air Malta spokesman said the airline decided to ground one of its Airbus aircraft after an airframe problem was noted when it flew in last night.

The affected flights are to Paris, Lourdes, Rome, Athens and Budapest. The delays are between 30 minutes and two hours, except for the flight to Budapest (and return) which has been delayed by just over 12 hours. The Budapest flight was due to have taken-off from Malta today at 1100lt.

The spokesman said the airline regretted and apologised for the problem, but the safety of passengers came first. Passengers were urged to follow the airline's website for developments. The spokesman said the passengers were being given refreshments, and lunch and dinner in the case of the Budapest flight. Passengers to Budapest were offered hotel accommodation. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 24-Aug-2015)

Mexican Navy ARM Cuauhtémoc calls at Valletta Port

The Mexican Navy sail training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc (BE 01) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit. 

The Mexican tall ship is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-5 wharf and she's expected to sail from Malta on Tuesday, August 25th. (21-Aug-2015)

New security procedures at Malta IAP as of Sep. 1st

Malta International Airport has invested in state-of-the-art technology to improve the security screening procedure in compliance with fresh EU regulations. As from Sep. 1st, passengers could have their hand luggage and electronic devices (laptops, tablets and mobile phones) checked for traces of explosive material using specialized detection technology.

Ongoing structural works at the central security screening area as well as the new equipment installed, are intended to make sure this procedure meets the new regulatory demands set out by the E.U. Our security team is committed to providing an efficient service and a safe environment for all our passengers. (Source: maltairport.com, 21-Aug-2015)

British Army Parachute display team 'the Tigers' to participate in the 2015 Malta International Airshow

The British Army Parachute display Team, the Tigers will be participating in the 2015 Malta International Airshow. The team had participated in the 2009 edition and we had loads of positive feedback about their display. 

 The team was formed in 1986 under the watchful eye of Col. P. V. Panton and was primarily co-located at Basingbourne Army Barracks and the Queens Division Head Quarters.

Experienced parachutists from The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment's Parachute display team - "The Tigers" - Dropping into the arena, smoke trailing, flags flying, performing amazing formations both in the air and under the parachute. (Source: maltairshow.com 19-Aug-2015)

Nose-gear of Tecnam P2002-JF 9H-SEP collapses upon landing at Malta IAP

A light aircraft type Tecnam P2002-JF with registration 9H-SEP was involved in a minor accident today at 14:49, a spokesperson for the Malta International Airport has confirmed. According to the spokeswoman, the incident led to the aircraft’s nose-gear collapsing upon landing on RWY 23. "The pilot was the only person on board and no injuries were reported. The relevant aviation authorities are investigating accordingly," MIA told MaltaToday. Witnesses said that members of the Civil Protection Department were called on site. (Source: maltatoday.com, 10-Aug-2015)         

Royal Navy HMS Shoreham calls at Valletta Port

Royal Navy Sandown-class mine coutermeasure vessel HMS Shoreham (M 112) sailed into Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.

The British MCMV is presently berthing alongside at Wine Wharf, and she's expected to sail from Malta on Thursday, August 13th. (10-Aug-2015)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register update

Transport Malta/Directorate of Civil Aviation published today the latest update of the Maltese Aircraft Register.

New addition/s: 

• 9H-SBJ - Sukhoi Civil Aircraft SSJ-100/95B (c/n. 95060), registered to Comlux Malta (ex 89033)
• 9H-INV - Bombardier Challenger 604 (c/n. 5628), registered to Elit'Avia Malta (ex TS-INV)

Cancellation/s: none

(Source: Transport Malta, 6-Aug-2015)

RCAF to be back at the Malta International Airshow after 17 years

The Malta Aviation Society is proud to announce that the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will be participating in the 2015 Malta International Airshow. A CP-140 Aurora has been confirmed to join the static line up of varied aircraft from many different nations. 

This marks the third time the Royal Canadian Air Force has participated at the Malta International Airshow, the others being 1994 and 1998 with a CP-140 Aurora.

The CP-140 Aurora is used by the RCAF as a command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) platform, the Aurora performs domestic and international operations across a wide variety of disciplines. (Source: maltairshow.com, 7-Aug-2015)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for July 2015

July saw an increase of 7.1% in passenger traffic, hosting 547,970 passengers at the airport. These figures can be attributed to an increased seat load factor, which measures the percentage of filled seats on each flight, of 85.2% and an increase of 4.4% in aircraft movements.

The most significant growth in July was recorded on Italian routes, which saw a rise of 11.6% when compared to 2014, ranking Italy second amongst Malta International Airport’s top markets due to an increase in passengers to and from Catania and Linate airports.

The United Kingdom holds its position as Malta’s biggest tourism market with an increase of 4.3%, with 137,152 passengers last month alone. In total, over 700,000 passengers have travelled along Maltese-British routes so far this year.

As a result of strong growth on the Frankfurt route, the German market also increased by 4.7% last month. France and Spain’s numbers dropped marginally by 2.2% and 4.1% respectively.

To date, traffic through Malta International Airport in 2015 increased by 6.9% when compared to the same period last year. The maximum take-off weight increased by 2.6% and cargo and mail decreased by 0.5%. (Source: maltairport.com, 5-Aug-2015)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register update

Transport Malta/Directorate of Civil Aviation published today the latest update of the Maltese Aircraft Register.

New addition/s: 

• 9H-BSA - Hawker Beechcraft Corp. Hawker 750 (c/n. HB-24), registered to Hyperion Aviation (ex EC-KXS)
• 9H-CLX - Airbus A330-200 (c/n. 451), registered to Comlux Malta (ex F-WJKG)
• 9H-MLT - Tecnam P92-JS (c/n. 136), registered to Malta School of Flying

Cancellation/s: none

(Source: Transport Malta, 29-Jul-2015)

Hellenic Navy HS Ikaria calls at Valletta Port

The Hellenic Navy Jason-class landing ship HS Ikaria (L 175) has sailed into Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) this afternoon on a courtesy visit.

The Greek landing ship is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-4/5 wharf, and she's expected to sail from Malta on Monday, August 10th. (6-Aug-2015)

Turkish Navy TCG Iskenderun calls at Valletta Port

The Turkish Navy troop-transport ship TCG Iskenderun (A 1600) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit. 

This is TCG Iskenderun's second visit in the Valletta Port this year. Her first visit was between 14th and 17th May.

The Turkish auxiliary is presently berthing alongside at Boiler wharf, and she's expected to sail from Malta in the coming days after a short stay (2-Aug-2015)