TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Registry update

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

New addition/s: 

• 9H-ALI - Boeing B737-300 (c/n. 28668/2890), registered to ADF ABL Aviation 28668 Ltd., British Virgin Island (ex PZ-TCN)

Cancellation/s: none

(Source: Transport Malta, 27-Dec-2017)

Privately-owned Falcon 7X blown off apron at Malta IAP, smashes into building

A privately-owned Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft (VP-BZE) was blown off Malta IAP's apron-4 on Wednesday night, ploughing through a perimeter fence and into the road before crashing into a building.  No injuries were reported at the incident in Ħal-Farruġ. 

Officials believe the strong winds forced the unmanned plane from its wheel chocks, pushing it into the road before crashing into the building owned by the Polidano Group.

"It seems like it was the result of the strong winds.  The building didn't sustain major damage, but we presume the aircraft did," Polidano Group's legal representative J.P. Sammut told Times of Malta, after he was informed about the incident through airport security.  Nobody was present in the building at the time of impact.

Transport Malta and Malta IAP officials are investigating the incident, while the Bureau of Accident Investigation are also investigating.  The police and armed forces were on site and closed the road off to traffic.

In a statement, M.I.A. said its operations and security teams were deployed to the scene immediately to safeguard the integrity of the aerodrome and secure the airport perimeter.  M.I.A.'s Rescue and Fire Fighting Services were also on the scene as a precautionary measure, however there were no injuries reported. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 27-Dec-2017)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Registry update

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

New addition/s: 

• 9H-AGM - Airbus A319-100 (c/n. 3604), registered to Ceska Ietecka servisni a.s., Czech Rep. (ex D-ABGM)
• 9H-AGN - Airbus A319-100 (c/n. 3865), registered to Ceska Ietecka servisni a.s., Czech Rep. (ex D-ABGS)

Cancellation/s: none

(Source: Transport Malta, 21-Dec-2017)

Turkish Airlines' Istanbul-Malta flight diverts to Catania

A Turkish Airlines Boeing B737-800 (TC-JVZ), operating scheduled flight TK-1371 between Istanbul-Ataturk (Turkey) and Malta IAP, had to divert to Catania-Fontanarossa yesterday evening due to strong crosswinds on the main runway at Malta IAP. The flight then continued to Malta reaching destination with a delay of 3-hrs 45-mins on its original scheduled time. (22-Dec-2017)

U.K. Royal Navy HMS Enterprise calls at Valletta Port

The U.K. Royal Navy Echo-class survey vessel HMS Enterprise (H 88) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  The British survey is presently berthing alongside at Factory wharf (in French creek) and she's is expected to sail from Valletta Port on Monday, Jan. 8th. (21-Dec-2017)

U.K. Royal Navy HMS Echo recalls at Valletta Port

The U.K. Royal Navy Echo-class survey vessel HMS Echo (H 87) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  This is her fifth visit in Valletta Port this year.  The British survey is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 wharf and she's is expected to sail from Valletta Port on Tuesday, Dec. 26th. (21-Dec-2017)

Air Malta launches new route Malta IAP-Comiso

Air Malta launched this evening its new route between Malta IAP and Comiso (Sicily, Italy).  The first scheduled flight, operated with Airbus A319-100 (9H-AEJ), departed from Malta IAP at 2110lt (KM-658). The return flight from Comiso (KM-659) landed at Malta IAP at 2315lt.  Air Malta will be operating this new route twice-weekly, on Fridays and Sundays. (17-Dec-2017)

Air Malta to hive off London slots in 1Q18

Air Malta will transfer its slots at London-Heathrow and London-Gatwick to a recently established government-owned company by the end of first quarter of 2018, Chairman C. Mangion has said.

"This will allow us to raise funds through our own assets as we can no longer receive any state aid. It will also ensure that these invaluable assets always remain part of Malta's national assets," he was quoted by MaltaToday.

The Maltese state-owned airline is barred from receiving any more government funding as per EU laws. EU regulations allow companies to access state aid once every ten years. In Air Malta's case, it received EUR130 million in government funding back in 2011.

The holding firm company that will assume control of the slots will be fully independent of the airline and will retain them, Mangion underlined.

A separate government-owned company will also take over the ground handling unit at Malta IAP from the airline, Tourism Minister K. Mizzi announced. This takeover should also be concluded in the first quarter of 2018.

The divestment should help the airline return to profitability. It also plans to expand its no-frills Go Light fares and gradually switch to a LCC type business model to increase its competitiveness. (Source: ch-aviation.com, 13-Dec-2017)

Irish Naval Service LE Niamh recalls at Valletta Port

The Irish Naval Service Roisin-class patrol vessel LE Niamh (P 52) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  This is her third call in Valletta Port this year.  The Irish patrol vessel is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 wharf and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Wednesday, Dec. 13th. (10-Dec-2017)

Jet Aviation gets AOC for Malta and launches new flight operationa

Jet Aviation has launched a new flight operation in Malta after securing its air operator's certificate (AOC) for the island.  The company is already operating a B737 BBJ under the Malta AOC, and expects to add a Legacy 600 in the coming weeks. It now has regional AOC operations in Malta, Switzerland (Zurich) and Germany (Cologne).

"Our new flight operation in Malta is a terrific complement to our Swiss and German operations," said J. Reuthinger, senior vice president and general manager of Jet Aviation's aircraft management and charter operations in EMEA and Asia. "The additional AOC in the European Union allows aircraft owners and operators more flexibility in their choice of registrations and operation." (Source: corporatejetinvestor.com, 8-Dec-2017)

United States Navy USS Carney calls at Valletta Port

The United States Navy destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  

USS Carney is the 14th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy. The ship is the first to be named after Admiral Robert Carney who served as Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower administration. She was commissioned in service on 8-Jun-1996.

The U.S. destroyer is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-1 wharf and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Wednesday, Dec. 12th (8-Dec-2017)

M.I.A. plc releases traffic results for November 2017

Malta International Airport continued to register solid traffic results, even as it entered its winter period, with November becoming the fourteenth consecutive month to achieve double-digit growth in passenger movements.

Last November, the airport hosted over 55,000 passengers more than it did in 2016, closing off the month with a total of 405,724 movements. This translates into an increase of 15.8 per cent over last year.

This record number of passengers for November was observed in parallel with an increase of 18.1% in aircraft movements and a 19.2% improvement in seat capacity. Seat load factor for November, which marks airlines' ability to fill available seats on flights, dropped slightly and stood at 79%.

The month's top five markets accounted for more than half of the total passenger movements for November. The U.K. continued to top the leader board with over 100,000 passenger movements, followed by Italy, Germany, France, and Belgium. While the first four markets all registered varying levels of growth, Belgium lost around 570 passenger movements when compared with 2016.

The biggest spike in passenger numbers in November was observed on the Polish market, which grew by 76.3% over last year. This strong increase can be attributed to added flights on the Gdansk, Krakow and Wroclaw routes. Other markets which registered noteworthy growth stemming from improved flight schedules and additional capacity, include Turkey, Austria and the Netherlands. (Source: maltairport.com, 7-Dec-2017)

Air Malta presents its Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for year ended on March 31st

Air Malta presented its Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for year ended on Mar. 31st, 2017, during which the operations of the airline company reported a loss of €13.1m.

During the year under review the airline experienced a decrease of €28.3m in revenue when total revenue amounted to €192.2m compared to €220.5m a year before, mainly driven by a capacity reduction of 20%.

The airline's operational costs decreased by €20.6m. The decrease in operating costs was driven by lower aircraft leases, fuel costs and related maintenance expenses, efficiency gains and savings on a number of contracts and administration expenses.

However, the former fuel hedging contracts were in place for much longer than those of competitors. The airline was not in a position to benefit from lower fuel prices in the reported financial year commented Air Malta's CFO, K. Gossler during a press briefing announcing the results.

Over the last few months, the airline has been focusing on a revenue growth strategy including a review of its route network; a strategy which the airline embarked upon soon after the appointment of the new Board chaired by Dr C. Mangion in July this year.

The Board approved a new three-year Business Plan starting as of April which is projected to see break-even by March 2018. (Source: independent.com.mt, 7-Dec-2017)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Registry update

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

New addition/s: 

• 9H-BOG - Gulfstream G450 (c/n. 4106), registered to Emperor Aviation Ltd. (ex 4L-GAF)

Cancellation/s: 

• 9H-FMF - 9H-FMF' Piper PA-31 Navajo (c/n. 31-245), registered to IMAO, France

(Source: Transport Malta, 5-Dec-2017)

French Navy FS Premier-Maitre L'Her recalls at Valletta Port

The French Navy D'Estienne d'Orves-class corvette FS Premier-Maitre L'Her (F 792) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  This is her fourth visit in Valletta Port this year.  The French corvette is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-5 wharf and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Thursday, Dec. 7th (3-Dec-2017)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Registry update

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

New addition/s: 

• 9H-LBI - Boeing B737-300 (c/n. 28669/2897), registered to AFD ABL Aviation 28669 Ltd., British Virgin Island. (ex PZ-TCO)

Cancellation/s: 

• 9H-ZRH - Cessna 525A CtiationJet CJ2 (c/n. 525A-0340), registered to Helispirit S.A., Luxembourg 

(Source: Transport Malta, 29-Nov-2017)

Fincantieri redelivers upgraded OPV P61 to AFM

Fincantieri delivered Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPv) P61 to the Armed Forces of Malta, following upgrading activities carried out at the Group's dry-docking facility within the Port of Genoa.

The aim of the works, which lasted about six months, was to improve the reaction capability of the vessel. The upgrade included the installation of a new main propulsion plant, other machinery and equipment as well as the overhaul of most of the ship’s on board systems.  

OPV P61 is over 53m long and was built and delivered by Fincantieri's shipyard of Muggiano to the Armed Forces of Malta in 2005. It is a modified variant of the Diciotti-Class patrol boat, built by Fincantieri for the Italian Coast Guard.

The upgrading project was co-financed by the European Union Internal Security Fund. (Source: Fincantieri, 27-Nov-2017)

Air Malta to launch scheduled service between Malta and Lisbon next March

As from Mar. 25th, 2018, Air Malta shall be operating a twice-weekly scheduled service between Malta and Lisbon (Portugal) every Thursday and Sunday, as follows:

Thursday 

KM594 18:40 MLA-LIS 20:55
KM595 21:45 LIS-MLA 01:45

Sunday
KM594 12:15 MLA-LIS 14:20
KM595 15:10 LIS-MLA 19:10

Go Light and fly with us from just 39€ one-way (out of Malta) and 49€ one-way (departing Lisbon). (Source: AirMalta, 28-Nov-2017) 

Air Nostrum acquires majority shareholding in Medavia Operations Co. Ltd.

An agreement has been reached between Mediterranean Aviation Co. Ltd (Medavia) and Air Nostrum for Air Nostrum to acquire 51% shareholding in Mediterranean Aviation Operations Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Medavia which holds the air operator’s certificate. 

This agreement does not affect in any way Medavia assets, including employees and aircraft but provides an opportunity for the creation of new business for both shareholding companies.

Air Nostrum is a Spanish regional carrier operating flights within EU and through this acquisition will cover new geographical areas. The same opportunity for Medavia to increase its flights within the EU through its regional charters is further strengthened. (Source: Medavia, 24-Nov-2017)

Small Fly Co. Ltd to start cargo flts between Lamezia and Malta IAP from Nov. 28th

As from Nov. 28th, Maltese company Small Fly Co. Ltd will start operating a cargo flight between Lamezia-Terme (Italy) and Malta International Airport twice a week. 

Flights (operated with ATR-72F) will be arriving at Malta IAP at 5:55 a.m. and departing to Lamezia Terme Airport at 6:55 a.m., with interconnections to and from Milan-Linate and Rome-Fiumicino airports. 

This new flight is only the early stage of a broader project contemplating to expand the Small Fly cargo activities all over Europe, aiming at five cargo flights a week between Italy and Malta, since the beginning of 2018. (Source: Small Fly, 23-Nov-2017)

Emirates B77W diverts to Malta IAP due to a medical emergency

An Emirates Boeing B777-300ER (A6-EGE), performing flight EK-220 between Orlando IAP (U.S.A.) and Dubia IAP (U.A.E.), had to divert to Malta Int'l Airport this morning due to a medical emergency on board. The B77W continued with its flight to Dubai after 3-hrs and 40-mins on the ground. (23-Nov-2017)

French Navy FS Premier-Maitre L'Her recalls at Valletta Port

The French Navy D'Estienne d'Orves-class corvette FS Premier-Maitre L'Her (F 792) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  This is her third visit in Valletta Port this year.  The French corvette is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 wharf and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Saturday, Nov. 25th (22-Nov-2017)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Registry update

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

New addition/s: 

• 9H-GJC - Embraer ERJ-190-100 ECJ (c/n. 19000243), registered to Comlux Malta Ltd. (ex N65GJ)

Cancellation/s: 

• 9H-MYU - Bombardier Challenger 605 (c/n. 5751), registered to Maleth-Aero AOC Ltd. (rrg N917RS)

(Source: Transport Malta, 20-Nov-2017)

Air Malta Frankfurt flight delayed overnight due to technical trouble

An Air Malta flight from Frankfurt scheduled for yesterday evening never took off after the aircraft was grounded due to technical problems.  KM-329 was due to leave Frankfurt airport at 2010lt, but ran into technical trouble and required repairs.  Engineers were unable to fix the problem by the time the airport closed at 2300lt, forcing passengers to spend an extra night in Germany. 

Passengers and cabin crew spent the night in nearby hotels courtesy of the airline and were offered dinner, an Air Malta spokesman said.  Repair work resumed early this morning and the flight is expected to leave after the aircraft successfully completes a series of engine runs. 

Air Malta apologised for the inconvenience due to circumstances beyond its control, saying that it gave the utmost importance to the safety of its passengers and staff. (Source: timesofmalta.com, 20-Nov-2017)

U.K. Royal Navy HMS Monmouth calls at Valletta Port

The U.K. Royal Navy Duke-class frigate HMS Monmouth (F 235) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  The British frigate is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 wharf and she has on board an AgustaWestland AW-159 Wildcat HMA.2 helicopter (ZZ533).  HMS Monmouth is expected to sail from Valletta Port on Tuesday, Nov. 21st. (18-Nov-2017)

U.K. Royal Navy HMS Echo calls at Valletta Port

The U.K. Royal Navy Echo-class survey vessel HMS Echo (H 87) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this afternoon on a courtesy visit.  This is her fourth call in Valletta Port this year.  The British survey is presently berthing alongside at Factory wharf and she's is expected to sail from Valletta Port on Wednesday, Nov. 22nd. (18-Nov-2017)

Italian Navy ITS Caio Duilio calls at Valletta Port

The Italian Navy Andrea Doria-class destroyer ITS Caio Duilio (D 554) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this afternoon on a courtesy visit.  This is the first ever visit of an Andrea Doria-class destroyer in Valletta Port.  The Italian destroyer is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-1 wharf and she has on board an NHIndustries SH-90A helicopter (MM81599/3-24).  ITS Caio Diulio is expected to sail from Valletta Port on Friday, Nov. 17th (15-Nov-2017)

French Navy FS Premier-Maitre L'Her recalls at Valletta Port

The French Navy D'Estienne d'Orves-class corvette FS Premier-Maitre L'Her (F 792) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this afternoon on a courtesy visit.  This is her second visit in Valletta Port this year.  The French corvette is presently berthing alongside at Wine wharf and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Friday, Nov. 17th. (12-Nov-2017)

Irish Naval Service LE Niamh recalls at Valletta Port

The Irish Naval Service Roisin-class patrol vessel LE Niamh (P 52) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  This is her second call in Valletta Port this year.  The Irish patrol vessel is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 wharf and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Wednesday, Nov. 15th. (11-Nov-2017)

Five flights bound to Malta IAP divert to airports in Sicily & Tunisia due to bad weather over Malta

A severe thunderstorm over the Maltese Island this afternoon has forced five aircraft en route to Malta IAP to divert to Palermo and Catania-Fontanarossa in Sicily, Italy and Tunis-Carthage in Tunisia.

• SAS Scandinavia Airlines Airbus A320-200N (SE-DOZ), operating flight SK-1845 between Stockholm-Arlanda (Sweden) and Malta IAP, diverted to Palermo. The flight then continued to Malta reaching destination with a delay of nearly five-hours on its original scheduled time. 
• British Airways Airbus A320-200 (G-GATL), operating flight BA-2644 between London-Gatwick (U.K.) and Malta IAP, diverted to Catania. The flight will then continue to Malta reaching destination with a delay of nearly three hours.
• Ryanair Boeing B737-800 (EI-FRW), operating flight FR-2411 between East Midlands (U.K.) and Malta IAP, diverted to Catania. The flight then continued to Malta reaching destination with a delay of nearly three hours. 
• Ryanair Boeing B737-800 (EI-DYF), operating flight FR-7796 between Marseille (France) and Malta IAP, diverted to Catania. The flight then continued to Malta reaching destination with a delay of 2-hrs 20-mins. 
• Air Malta A320-200 (9H-AHR), operating flight KM-515 between Vienna (Austria) and Malta IAP, diverted to Tunis. The flight then continued to Malta reaching destination with a delay of nearly 2-hrs 45-mins. 

(10-Nov-2017)

Air Malta to start services to Casablanca, Venice and St Petersburg next summer

In line with its growth stategy Air Malta announced direct services to three destinations; Casablanca (Morocco), Venice (Italy) and St Petersburg (Russia) for summer 2018.

The destinations were announced today during the World Travel Market (WTM), the annual leading global travel trade show being held in London between the 6th and the 8th November.

Casablanca

Air Malta will inaugurate a new twice weekly scheduled service every Monday and Thursday marking a return to one of the most important cities of Africa and the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca. The Air Malta is resuming its services to Casablanca after an absence of around ten years.

KM-724 Malta 1630 – 1755 Casablanca

KM-725 Casablanca 1855 – 2355 Malta

Venice

Air Malta will re-start flying to Venice, one of the world’s most romantic and enchanting cities, as from the 26-Mar-18. The Maltese airline will fly to Venice-Marco Polo airport with a twice a week every Monday and Saturday.

KM-638 Malta 2045 – 2230 Venice

KM-639 Venice 2320 – 0110 Malta

St Petersburg

Air Malta will start operating a twice weekly scheduled service to St Petersburg, Russia, every Wednesday and Saturday as from the 29-Mar-2018. The flight schedule to the city will complement the three times weekly service to Russia’s capital, Moscow, which will increase to a four weekly flight schedule in peak summer.

Wednesdays

KM-568 Malta 2200 – 0305 St Petersburg

KM-569 St. Petersburg 0355 – 0715 Malta

Saturdays

KM-568 Malta 2100 – 0205 St Petersburg

KM-569 St. Petersburg 0255 – 0615 Malta

(Source: Air Malta, 8-Nov-2017)

M.I.A. plc release traffic results for 2017 summer season

Malta International Airport closed off summer, which stretches from April until the end of October for the aviation industry, with 4,249,321 passenger movements. This translates into an impressive increase of more than 600,000 passenger movements over the same comparable period in 2016.

Growth in passenger numbers in the summer months was observed in parallel with an upturn of 13.3% in aircraft movements and an increase of 16.1% in seat capacity, mainly stemming from an enhanced flight schedule for the season. Moreover, at 85.0%, seat load factor for the seven-month period remained unchanged from last year.

The top drivers of passenger traffic to Malta IAP were the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain. Growing by 9.6% over last year, the U.K. accounted for 1,025,055 passengers, which is almost a quarter of the airport's total traffic for summer. The other four markets all registered double-digit growth ranging between 14.0% and 32.5%, with Spain's increase being the most noteworthy.

Having welcomed over 5.2 million passengers for the year to date, the airport's focus has now shifted to achieving the best results for winter.  On the last weekend of October, the airport unveiled its new winter schedule featuring 66 destinations, five of which are new.

Traffic through Malta International Airport in October grew by 15.4% to reach 596,648 passenger movements, on the back of a 14.7% increase in aircraft movements and a 16.4% increase in seat capacity. (Source: maltairport.com, 8-Nov-2017)

Volotea to operate two new routes to Malta next year from Nice and Bilbao

Spanish low-cost airline Volotea announced it will operate two new routes from and to Malta from Nice (France) and Bilbao (Spain). The new routes will increase the number of passengers the airline will carry to 32,300 from and to Malta next year with 230 flights.

The Bilbao routes will start operating once a week from March next year with more than 7,300 passengers. The Nice flight enters into the airline’s schedule from April 2018 with once-a-week flights which are expected to carry some 7,000 passengers. The two routes will be added to the Bordeaux route in France which Volotea is already operating from and to Malta.

Mr E. Friart, a director of Volotea, stated that the Nice destination will provide an opportunity to the Maltese to visit the maritime city in the south of France which boasts of picturesque scenery, while Bilbao is a destination in the north of Spain, renowned for food and unique scenery in the region. (Source: tvm.com.mt, 7-Nov-2017)

Threats hold up Air Malta flight from Rome

An Air Malta flight from Rome was delayed for several hours today after Italian police received a threat about the flight, the airline said this morning. 

Flight KM-613 to Malta was grounded as Italian authorities searched the plane and checked passengers' luggage. No information was given about the type of threat received. 

The flight was due to depart at 10.10am and arrive in Malta at 11.35am. It finally departed mid-afternoon and is expected to land at Malta International Airport at 4.45pm. 

"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance," an airline spokesman said after the plane had been given the all-clear.  "We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our guests due to circumstances beyond our control." (Source: timesofmalta.com, 6-Nov-2017)

Portuguese Navy NRP Viana do Castelo calls at Valletta Port

The Portugueses Navy Viana do Castelo-class patrol vessel NRP Viana do Castelo (P 360) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this afternoon on a courtesy visit. The Portuguese patrol vessel is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 wharf, and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Monday, Nov. 6th. (3-Nov-2017)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Registry update

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

New addition/s: 

• 9H-REY - Embraer ERJ-145 (c/n. 145036), registered to Maleth-Aero AOC Ltd. (ex CS-TPJ)

Cancellation/s: 

• 9H-IRA - Bombardier Global Express XRS (c/n. 9319), registered to Hyperion Aviation Ltd. (rrg VP-CYG)

(Source: Transport Malta, 1-Nov-2017)

French Navy FS Premier-Maitre L'Her calls at Valletta Port

The French Navy D'Estienne d'Orves-class corvette FS Premier-Maitre L'Her (F 792) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  The French corvette is presently berthing alongside at Wine wharf and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Saturday, Nov. 4th. (1-Nov-2017)

Ryanair launches new route Malta IAP-Belfast

Ryanair launched today its new route between Malta IAP and Belfast (U.K.). The first scheduled flight, operated with Boeing B737-800 (EI-DYF), departed from Malta IAP at 1412lt (FR-1717). The return flight from Riga (FR-1718) landed at Malta IAP at 2207lt. Ryanair will be operating this new route twice-weekly, on Mondays and Fridays. (30-Oct-2017)

Ryanair launches new route Naples-Malta IAP

Ryanair launched today its new route between Naples (Italy) and Malta IAP.  The first scheduled flight, operated with Boeing B737-800 (EI-DCL), landed at Malta IAP at 1656lt (FR-1722).  The return flight to Naples (FR-1723) departed from Malta IAP after turnaround.  Ryanair will be operating this new route twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays. (30-Oct-2017)

Air Malta launches its winter schedule

Air Malta's winter schedule which came into operation today is one of the busiest for this period of the year in recent years.

The country's national airline said that between now and the end of March the airline company will be operating more than 110 flights a week to 19 destinations, which is four times as much as last year’s operations.  This increase will mean an additional 146,000 passengers added to the winter schedule.

This winter Air Malta will be operating direct flights to/from: Amsterdam, Brussels, Catania, Comiso (from Dec. 17th), Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Milan, Moscow, Munich, Palermo, Paris (Charles de Gaulle and Orly), Rome, Tel Aviv, Tunis, Vienna and Zurich.

Flights to Frankfurt in Germany have been resumed as from today, a destination that had been dropped last year, and flights to Comiso have also been added.  Two daily flights will be operated to Catania and London-Heathrow and there will be daily flights to Brussels, Rome, London-Gatwick, Munich and Vienna.

Tourism Minister Dr K. Mizzi said that to meet this ambitious schedule the airline will be increasing its operational hours by almost 30%.  Mizzi said the increase in routes as well as frequency throughout the winter will support the Government's efforts to decrease the seasonal trend in tourist arrivals. (Source: Air Malta & tvm.com, 29-Oct-2017)

Ryanair launches new route Malta IAP-Riga

Ryanair launched today its new route between Malta IAP and Riga (Latvia). The first scheduled flight, operated with Boeing B737-800 (EI-DYF), departed from Malta IAP at 0707lt (FR-1726). The return flight from Riga (FR-1727) landed at Malta IAP at 1444lt. Ryanair will be operating this new route twice-weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays. (29-Oct-2017)

easyJet launches new route Southend-Malta

easyJet launched today its new route between London-Southend (U.K.) and Malta IAP. The first scheduled flight (U2-7431), operated with an Airbus A320-200 (G-EZPB), landed at Malta IAP around 1730Lt. The return flight (U2-7432) to Southend departed from Malta IAP after turnaround. easyJet will be operating this new route twice-weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays. (29-Oct-2017)

Spanish Navy ESPS Cantabria calls at Valletta Port

The Spanish Navy replenishment tanker ESPS Cantabria (A 15) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit. She has an AB-212 helicopter on board, serial HA.18-12.  The Spanish auxiliary is presently berthing alongside at Boiler wharf and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port on Tuesday, Oct. 31st. (26-Oct-2017)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Registry update

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

New addition/s: none

Cancellation/s: 

• 9H-KAS - Bombardier Challenger 605 (c/n. 5856), registered to Avcon Jet Malta Ltd. (rrg SX-FSA)
• 9H-VTB - Bombardier Global 5000 (c/n. 9566), registered to VistaJet Ltd. (rrg N504VJ)

(Source: Transport Malta, 23-Oct-2017)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Registry update

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

New addition/s: 

• 9H-XYZ - Diamond DA62 (c/n. 62-068), registered to Southern Aviation Holding Ltd.

Cancellation/s: 

• 9H-UMM - ICP Savannah Microlight (c/n. 04-10-51-333), registered to 'Private'

(Source: Transport Malta, 19-Oct-2017)

Turkish Airlines' Istanbul-Malta flight diverts to Istanbul

A Turkish Airlines Boeing B737-800 (TC-JVA), performing flight TK-1369 between Istanbul-Ataturk (Turkey) and Malta IAP, had to turn back to Istanbul this morning for technical reasons. 

The flight was later operated by a replacement aircraft (Boeing B737-800, TC-JVE) and reached Malta with a delay of nearly five-hours on its original scheduled time. (18-Oct-2017)

Air Malta to start flying to Ukraine following Kiev agreement

With effect from March next year Air Malta will start operating scheduled flights to Ukraine. The agreement was concluded during a State visit by President M.L. Coleiro Preca to Ukraine, a country with a population of 45 million. (Source: tvm.com.mt, 17-Oct-2017)

Air Malta flights delayed due to cabin crew industrial action

A number of Air Malta flights have been delayed by roughly half an hour after the Union of Cabin Crew informed Air Malta last night that it had ordered its members to start industrial action, an Air Malta spokesman has confirmed. 

The airline confirmed that some flights had been affected but stressed that none had been delayed by more than 30 minutes, adding that it was currently holding discussions with members of the union. (Source: maltatoday.com, 15-Oct-2017)

U.K Border Force HMC Protector recalls at Valletta Port

The United Kingdom's Border Force cutter HMC Protector sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) last evening on a courtesy visit.  This is her eleventh visit in Valletta Port this year.  The British cutter is presently berthing alongside at Coal wharf, and she's expected to sail from Valletta Port in three weeks. (14-Oct-2017)

German Navy FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern calls at Valletta Port

The German Navy Brandeburg-class (Type F123) frigate FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (F 218) sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.  The German frigate is presently berthing alongside at Bormla wharf (in French creek), and she's scheduled to sail from Valletta Port on Saturday, Oct. 28th. (13-Oct-2017)