Ryanair's Laudamotion / Malta Air expands Vienna-Malta flights in summer 2020

Laudamotion in recent schedule update adjusted planned Vienna-Malta service, scheduled to commence in summer 2020 season.  Overall service under Laudamotion's OE-coded flight numbers will expand from three to six weekly, while Malta Air's AL-coded flight number operates once a week.

As a result of this adjustment, Malta Air operation (including aircraft) will commence on 29-Mar-20, while Laudamotion operation commences on 30-Mar-20 (instead of 29-Mar-20), with Ryanair aircraft.

OE212 VIE 0635 – 0845 MLA 738 x137
OE212 VIE 0645 – 0855 MLA 738 1
AL212 VIE 1325 – 1550 MLA 738 7
OE212 VIE 1710 – 1920 MLA 738 3

OE213 MLA 0920 – 1125 VIE 738 x37
AL213 MLA 1615 – 1835 VIE 738 7
OE213 MLA 1950 – 2155 VIE 738 3

(Source: routesonline.com, 25-Dec-2019)

easyJet's flight U26497 from Newcastle diverts to Lyon

An easyJet Airbus A319-100 (G-EZGB) operating flight U2-6497, from Newcastle (U.K.) to Malta Int'l Airport, had to divert to Lyon-Saint Exupery (France) this morning due to a medical emergency on board.  The flight then continued to Malta, reaching destination with a delay of nearly 1-hr.  (Source: flightradar24.com and Malta IAP, 24-Dec-2019)

Air X adds two E190s to its Maltese AOC

9H-FCM (c/n. 19000641), ex B-3220 (left) and 9H-FAB (c/n. 19000537), ex B-3219 (right)

Air Malta registers record for Nov-19

Air Malta has reported that for the month of November, which is usually quiet, it has obtained better results, with an increase of 9% over last year.

In November, Air Malta carried 148,500 passengers (+5% more than last year) while it operated the same number of flights.  The income for the airline however increased by 9% which shows that passengers are buying more ancillary products while they are planning their trips according to their own needs.

In its statement, Air Malta said that the markets which registered the best performance include France, Belgium, Switzerland, Israel, Prague, Portugal and Tunisia.  (Source: tvm.com.mt, 18-Dec-2019)

Malta MedAir joins European Regions Airline Association

Malta MedAir has joined the European Regions Airline Association giving a total of 54 airlines in membership.  The carrier joins ahead of ERA’s first major event of 2020, the Regional Airline Conference, taking place in Malta this spring.

Owned by the Government of Malta, Malta MedAir provides a range of services to aviation and non-aviation business customers in Europe and beyond.  Based out of Malta IAP, the Maltese airline was initially established in 2018 as an aviation management company.  This is still at the core of its business function, in addition to now providing ACMI and charters, as well as administrative support to airlines.

ERA Director General M. Barriga says: "We are very pleased to finish 2019 welcoming another airline into ERA membership.  ERA provides a strong and unified voice for European aviation and we look forward to working with Malta MedAir in the new year and beyond, further strengthening the voice of the airlines providing essential connectivity in all regions of Europe."  (Source: aviation24.be, 17-Dec-2019)

Air Malta joins European Regions Airline Association

Air Malta becomes the newest airline member of ERA (European Regions Airline Association).  Membership was agreed several months ahead of association's major spring event, being held in Malta nexy year, on 25–26 March; an event focused on green and sustainable connectivity.

ERA Director General M. Barriga said: "We are extremely proud to announce Air Malta has become a member of ERA.  It is an airline that has dedicated itself to serving the islands' visitors and residents, embodying the values of our association and its members.  

"It is especially serendipitous that Air Malta joins us a few months ahead of ERA's 2020 Regional Airline Conference taking place in Malta.  With climate change and global warming headlining the world's media and political agendas, and an outcry of public opinion and support for change, this year's conference will focus on sustainable air connectivity."  (Source: traveldailynews.com, 13-Dec-2019)

Malta IAP welcomes its seven millionth passenger for 2019

Malta Int'l Airport yesterday welcomed its seven millionth passenger for the year, thus reaching a new traffic milestone.

This important occasion is being celebrated just two years after Malta IAP achieved its six millionth passenger milestone on the last day of 2017, and comes on the heels of the company'S announcement that the winter season was off to a strong start in terms of passenger traffic.

"Beyond being a celebration of passenger numbers, today is a celebration of what has been driving these numbers, namely the passion and commitment of the airport team and all stakeholders.  Given that some 3,000 individuals work on the airport campus with various entities and companies, the teamwork and coordination that go into the achievement of common goals are truly laudable," said Malta IAP CEO Mr A. Borg.

Mr Borg went on to thank the airport team and all stakeholders including customs, police and Armed Forces of Malta officials, airline partners and their ground handlers – Air Malta Aviation Services and Aviaserve – G4S security officers, Servizi Malta staff and retail outlet representatives for their contribution so far, whilst encouraging one and all to make passenger numbers count by giving the best first and last impressions of the island to the millions of tourists that pick Malta as their destination of choice.

The airport's seven millionth passenger was given a special welcome and presented with a gift as a souvenir of the occasion.  Antonia Kudatov, who was accompanied by Jayden Vella, hails from Australia and arrived for her very first holiday in Malta on KM-613 from Rome.  (Source: maltairport.com, 13-Dec-2019)

VistaJet Global 6000 skids off the runway after landing at Liverpool

A VistaJet Bombardier Global 6000 (9H-VJM), operating flight VJT850 between Bedford, MA (United States) and Liverpool (U.K.), skidded off the runway after landing at Liverpool John Lennon airport this morning around 0600lt.  A spokesperson for the airport said that none of three crew members and one passenger on board was injured.  

A specialist removal team and firefighters had to struggle all day to remove the plane's wheels, which became embedded in mud 59m to the side of the runway.  The airport returned to normal operations around 2315lt.  

All incoming flights to Liverpool had to divert elsewhere during to closure of its sole runway.  More than 9,000 passengers had their flights cancelled, delayed or transferred to Manchester airport and many booked into hotels for the night.  (Source: airlive.net, bbc.com, and aviation-safety.net, 11-Dec-2019)

Air Malta plans to fly A321XLR long-haul service from 2024

Air Malta plans to introduce two Airbus A321XLRs to its fleet in 2024 enabling the airline to launch its first long-haul services.

"An India connection is important if the local economy is to continue to grow," Air Malta chairman C. Mangion told ATW on the sidelines of the CAPA World Aviation Outlook Summit in Malta Dec. 5.  "We need more people." 

The carrier also considers launching services to New York to create a connection for the Maltese diaspora and take advantage of growing interest by US tourists.

The A321XLRs are to be sourced from Malta Medair, another carrier owned by the Maltese government. (Source: atwonline.com,  9-Dec-2019)

Malta MedAir, Six West partner form a leasing joint venture

Malta MedAir and Six West have established a leasing joint-venture Six West Malta, the former company said in a press release.

The new company aims "to position Malta as an attractive jurisdiction for the aircraft leasing industry through the provision of both a niche service which optimises aircraft use in between leases and ACMI services".

The joint-venture will offer airlines and aircraft owners to place an aircraft on Six West Malta's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC).  As an established market for aircraft owners, which is under the jurisdiction of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Malta "enables aircraft lessors greater access to worldwide lease placements in destinations which currently present unfavourable levels of risk within the prevailing lessor-lessee business model".

Six West Malta does not currently hold its own Maltese AOC and will presumably use the existing Malta MedAir's AOC.  The firm did not respond to ch-aviation's request for clarification.  (Source: ch-aviation.com, 7-Dec-2019)

Malta IAP releases traffic results for November 2019

The winter season was off to a strong start at Malta Int'l Airport, with November registering an increase of 8.7% in passenger movements over the same month last year.  

November's growth rate was, in fact, one of the strongest year-to-date increases, auguring well for Malta IAP's strategy of stimulating further traffic growth in the off-peak months.

During the month of November, Malta IAP registered 493,201 passenger movements on the back of increases in both aircraft movements (+8.5%) and seat capacity (+10.1%). Seat load factor the month stood at 78.1%.

The top markets for November were the United Kingdom (-1.0%), Italy (+4.3%), Germany (-7.4%), France (+19.2%), and Spain (+23.2%).  The growth rates posted by the Italian and Spanish markets can be partly attributed to the introduction of the Trieste and Santiago de Compostela routes for the season.

In addition to these routes, Malta IAP launched another two routes – Paphos in Cyprus and Nis in Serbia – as part of its winter flight schedule.  Cumulatively, the airport's four new routes contributed just over 10,460 passenger movements to total traffic for November.  (Source: maltairport.com, 6-Dec-2019)

Air Malta launches Air Malta Holidays

Air Malta Holidays, the new inbound package holiday arm of the Airline was launched today. The portal, www.airmaltaholidays.com started offering a one-stop-shop combining Air Malta flights, the best hotels in Malta and airport transfers at great prices.

"As the 'Airline of The Maltese Islands' we are determined to facilitate inbound travel.  Every year we fly over two million customers, the majority being tourist visitors.  It was a natural step for us to start offering package holidays", commented Air Malta's Chairman Dr C. Mangion, during a press conference to launch this initiative.

"Over the last few years, technological innovation has created opportunities for us to offer package holidays.  Customer experience is enhanced, allowing our passengers to 'build' their own travel package," added C. Chetcuti, Air Malta's Chief Executive.

P. Sies, Air Malta's Chief Commercial Officer, explained that the site will offer packages at great value for money, cheaper than buying flights and accommodation separately.  "This is our first step at entering the package holiday market after an absence of several years.  The site is currently offering flights on all Air Malta routes from the U.K., Italy, Germany and France.  More markets will be added soon," added Mr Sies.

"We will also be launching the Air Malta Events and Air Malta Conferences portals.  These new online systems will be targeting event and conference organisers in Malta that wish to attract foreign tourists to their events and conferences.  This will continue facilitating travel to the Maltese Islands at value for money", said Air Malta's Chief Commercial Officer.  (Source: independent.com.mt, 5-Dec-2019)

Avion Express Malta lands Canadian FAOC

Avion Express Malta has received FAOC (Foreign Air Carrier Certificate) from Transport Canada, issued by the Minister of Transport.  The airline, a subsidiary airline of Avion Express, has started its operations in May.

Acquiring a FAOC becomes a significant milestone for the Malta-based company, the company says, as the certificate serves as a prerequisite to air operators seeking to conduct an air transport service to and from Canada.

D. Kajokas, CEO of Avion Express and Avion Express Malta, said: "Obtaining the permit to operate in the Canadian market is another important step in our consistent business development plan.  We've been exploring the market and discussing cooperation opportunities with Canadian airlines for Avion Express Malta for a while now, and we are happy to complete another strategic move forward."

Operations in Canada under a wet-lease agreement require lessor to hold a Canadian foreign air operator certificate.  (Source: aviationnews-online.com, 22-Nov-2019)

Medavia joins De Havilland Canada's network of authorized service facilities supporting Dash 8 series aircraft

De Havilland Canada announced today that it has enhanced support for operators of Dash 8 Series aircraft by entering into an agreement with Mediterranean Aviation Company Ltd. (Medavia), whereby Medavia will become a De Havilland Canada Authorized Service Facility (ASF).  Under the ASF agreement, which takes effect immediately, Medavia will offer heavy check maintenance services from its facilities located in Malta.

"As the fleet of commercial aircraft continues to grow in the Middle East and Africa, we are pleased to be working with De Havilland Canada to extend our MRO activities to cover the Dash 8 Series turboprops," said Mohamed Dau, Managing Director, Medavia.  "Dash 8 turboprops have proven to be rugged and reliable aircraft and perform admirably at the most challenging airports in the Middle East and Africa, so we look forward to adding them to our maintenance portfolio and increasing our support to operators in the region.”

"As a seasoned MRO provider, Medavia is ideally positioned to offer maintenance services to the increasing number of operators in Africa and the Middle East from its strategic position in Malta," said T. Young, Chief Operating Officer, De Havilland Canada.  "The company’s experience supporting the oil and gas industry and operating at remote airfields provides the first-hand knowledge that will be of great benefit to our operators.  We are very excited to welcome Medavia to our network of ASFs.  (Source: De Havilland Canada, 19-Nov-2019)

Malta enhances airspace communication with Frequentis Comsoft

Malta Air Traffic Services Ltd. (MATS) has successfully installed the aeronautical message handling (AMHS) switch from Frequentis Comsoft.  The solution replaces its previous fixed terminal network messages (AFTN) system, increasing its communication capability and fully supporting the ICAO basic and extended AMHS service profiles.

"For MATS, our vision is to be recognised as one of the most respected ANSPs in the Euro-Mediterranean region.  This means providing safe, reliable and on time services for our customers.  I would like to express my appreciation and satisfaction for the newly installed Frequentis Comsoft AMHS system and the excellent and professional project delivery, which met, and at times exceeded, our expectations.  The system has proved to be a very reliable and stable platform, which bodes well for its entry into service later this year.", stated L. Zammit, MATS Senior Head Technical Services (PM AMHS).  (Source: aviationpros.com, 18-Nov-2019)

AirX Charter eyes ACMI market with second A340

Malta's AirX Charter is planning to add a second A340 quadjet and to enter the ACMI market with the unit, Chairman J. Matthews told the Corporate Jet Investor.

Short of disclosing the identity or the precise timeline for the aircraft delivery, Matthews said that he would like to add the A340 "within a couple of months".  The aircraft will be equipped with a high-density cabin and will be proferred both to the ACMI market and for charter flights, for example with groups of sports fans.

The Maltese business charter specialist already operates a single A343, 9H-BIG (msn 374). The 19-year-old unit is equipped with up to 100 seats in a VIP configuration.

AirX Charter also wants to add a further two Embraer Lineage 1000 business jets, becoming the world's largest operator of the type.

"We are executing a planned expansion at the moment with several Lineages arriving.  We don’t have ETOPS approval yet, however as soon approval is given, we can start targeting the transatlantic market.  We are now moving into true intercontinental jets with the Lineage expansion," Matthews said.  (Source: ch-aviation.com, 11-Nov-2019)

Malta IAP releases traffic results up to Oct-19

Malta Int'l Airport welcomed more than 6.3 million passengers between January and October 2019.  This figure translates into an increase of 6.7% over the same comparable period last year, indicating that the airport is on course to close 2019 with a new traffic milestone of more than seven million passenger movements.

The first 10 months of the year all performed well and posted growth, with the summer season – stretching from April until October for the aviation industry – registering an increase of 7.7% in passenger movements at Malta IAP.  In parallel with this increase in passenger numbers, aircraft movements and seat capacity grew by 5.6% and 6.8%, respectively.

The top markets for the season were the U.K. (+3.3%), Italy (+3.7%), Germany (+17.3%), France (+8.4%) and Spain (+9.3%).  Malta IAP's connections with these already popular markets were further strengthened in summer with the introduction of new routes, such as Exeter, Cardiff, Verona and Perugia, and better flight frequencies on existing routes.

The summer season was brought to a close by October, which recorded an 8.8% increase over the same month last year and went on to surpass the 700,000-passenger mark for the first time. The last days of the month saw Malta IAP launch its new winter schedule and welcome the first flights from Paphos, Trieste, and Santiago de Compostela.  (Source: maltairport.com, 8-Oct-2019)

Light aircraft veers off the runway on landing at Malta IAP

A Reims-Cessna F172M Skyhawk light aircraft, with registration 9H-AEX and belonging to the Malta School of Flying, swerved off onto the grass upon landing RWY 31 at Malta IAP.  The incident occurred this morning around 0845lt.  None of the two persons on board was injured.  The airport's fire and rescue services were quick on the scene to render immediate assistance.  No flights were effected since operations were quickly shifted onto the secondary runway 23/05.  (3-Nov-2019)

Malta IAP launches its winter schedule

Malta Int'l Airport celebrated the start of winter for the aviation industry with the launch of its new flight schedule for the season, featuring four new routes as well as several route extensions from summer into winter.

Between Sunday and Tuesday, flights from Paphos (Greece), Trieste (Italy), and Santiago de Compostela (Spain) landed at Malta IAP for the first time, with passengers and crew on board these inaugural flights being welcomed with a cake-cutting ceremony.

Operated by Ryanair, flights on each one of these three new routes will be offered on a bi-weekly basis until March.  While Trieste and Santiago de Compostela have further broadened the airport's already-extensive route network in two of its top markets; Italy and Spain, Paphos is the second direct connection between Malta and Cyprus.

Malta IAP will be launching the fourth new route for the season in November. To download the full winter schedule, you may click here.  (Source: maltairport.com, 30-Oct-2019)

Wreckage of WWII submarine HMS Urge discovered off Malta

A marine archaeology survey team from the University of Malta, working in co-operation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, has located the wreck of the British WWII submarine HMS Urge off the coast of Malta. 

Results from this search have established beyond doubt that on 27-Apr-1942 HMS Urge struck a German mine when leaving the British submarine base at the height of the siege of Malta by German and Italian forces in WWII.  The wreck of the submarine stands upright and proud at a depth of 108m on the seabed, her deck gun facing forward.

Speaking to TVM, research team leader Prof T. Gambin said that "the damage to the bow shows a very violent explosion where the entire bow section is detached from the rest of the submarine, indicating that the ship would have sunk very fast giving no chance to anybody to survive from this tragedy.

"Besides the damage on the bow, the wreck is in absolutely fantastic condition, it is sitting upright on the sea-bed, very proud, in the direction that it was ordered to take on its way to Alexandria.  It is actually quite a poignant vision to see this submarine still upright and proud".

The distinctive features of HMS Urge have been identified by comparing strikingly clear images of the wreck with wartime photographs.  Having reviewed materials relating to the discovery, the U.K. Ministry of Defence has approved the research project's conclusion that the wreck discovered is that of HMS Urge.  The wreck site is a war grave and will be protected under Maltese and international legislation.  (Source: tvm.com.mt, 30-Oct-2019)

Ryanair's flight from Catania diverts to Catania

A Ryanair Boeing B737-800 (EI-FEI), operating flight FR-2538 from Catania-Fontanarossa (Sicily, Italy) to Malta IAP, had to return to Catania-Fontanarossa (Sicily, Italy) this afternoon due to a severe thunderstorm over the Maltese Island.  The flight then continued to Malta IAP reaching destination with delay of 3-hrs 15-mins.  (Source: flightradar24.com, 28-Oct-2019)

Air Malta's flight from Palermo diverts to Catania

An Air Malta Airbus A320-200 (9H-AEQ), operating flight KM-663 from Palremo (Sicily, Italy) to Malta IAP, had to divert to Catania-Fontanarossa (Sicily, Italy) this afternoon due to a severe thunderstorm over the Maltese Island.  The flight then continued to Malta IAP reaching destination with delay of 2-hrs 10-mins.  (Source: flightradar24.com, 28-Oct-2019)

Air Malta adds Lyon, Prague and Cairo to its winter schedule

Air Malta is planning to raise the number of passengers it carries in winter by 10% to 70,000, Tourism Minister Dr K. Mizzi and airline chairman Dr C. Mangion said on Sunday.

They said the airline will operate 25 routes during the winter - Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cairo, Catania, Casablanca, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow, Lyon, Kiev, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Palermo, Paris-Charles De Gaulle, Paris-Orly, Prague, Rome, Tel Aviv, Tunis, Vienna and Zurich.

Ten destinations will be served with daily or multiple daily frequencies,
primarily to major European hub airports.  Lyon, Prague and Cairo, already part of the summer schedule, have been added to the winter network.  There will be three flights a week from Lyon and twice weekly from Prague.  Flight frequency is being increased to other destinations, notably London Heathrow and Gatwick, Brussels and Palermo. 

The purpose, he said, is to improve connectivity to airports where potential tourists can link-up from medium and long-haul destinations such as Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, the U.S. and Canada.  (Source: timesofmalta.com, 27-Oct-2019)

LTM to invest €25m to built new MRO hangar in Malta

Lufthansa Technik Malta (LTM) will be investing €25 million to expand its facility in Malta after signing an agreement with Malta Industrial Parks Ltd (MIP) for the allocation of 21,000 square metres of land adjacent to its existing hangars, a company statement said.

Through this investment, the company – which is one of the global leaders within the aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry – will be building another hangar in which it will be able to service a wide-bodied aircraft and a narrow-bodied aircraft together at any one time.

The expansion testifies Lufthansa Technik's confidence in the local workforce as well as in the economy and particularly in the local aviation industry, as it will be further consolidating its presence in Malta and in so doing generate more high quality jobs, the statement said.  (Source: independent.com.mt, 24-Oct-2019)

Air Malta to launch Malta-Stuttgart service in Apr-2020

Air Malta, via its online booking system, is listing a new service between Malta IAP and Stuttgart (Germany).  Scheduled flights will be operated twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with effect from 01-Apr-2020.  There is currently no scheduled operator offering this route.  (Source: centreforaviation.com & Air Malta, 22-Oct-2019)

Air Malta waves farewell to its last A319 in its fleet

Air Malta's last Airbus A319-100 (9H-AEJ, c/n. 2186) in its fleet has departed for the last time from Malta IAP this morning (KM-996) on its ferry flight to Cotswold (U.K.) after the end of its lease.  

9H-AEJ was delivered new to Air Malta on 7-Apr-2004, on dry lease from ILFC.  Between May-2013 and Sep-2016, the aircraft was dry leased to Atlantic Airways and operated as OY-RCH.  During this period the aircraft ownership changed to Macquarie AirFinance.

9H-AEJ operated its last commercial flight for Air Malta on 13-Oct-2019 as KM436/7 to/form Leipzig (Germany).  (18-Oct-2019)

26th edition of Malta Int'l Airshow to take place on 26-27 Sep. 2020

The Malta Aviation Society (MAS) and the Ministry for Tourism would like to announce that the Malta Int'l Airshow 2020 will be taking place on September 26-27, 2020.

MAS President, Mr J. Ciliberti, explained how the present works around Malta's airport offered a golden opportunity for the event to be back on Malta's calendar of events after an absence of two years.  MAS never stopped in its efforts to ensure that Malta has its own airshow like every other European country.

Minister for Tourism Dr K. Mizzi said that after several discussions and negotiations with the Malta Aviation Society and relevant stakeholders, an agreement was reached in order to re-introduce the Malta Int'l Airshow in 2020.  "The Malta Int'l Airshow will be another key addition to the Visit Malta calendar of events and will attract a number of visitors and enhance niche tourism.  We will keep working closely with all stakeholders involved to make sure that this event is successful."

Having started in 1993, the Malta International Airshow 2020 will be the 26th edition of this very popular event attended by thousands of Maltese families as well as local and foreign aviation enthusiasts.

Mr Ciliberti thanked the Minister and his staff for making the Airshow 2020 possible, as well as the Malta Tourism Authority, Malta Air Traffic Services, Malta Industrial Parks and SR Technics.  (Source: maltairshow.com, 17-Oct-2019)

Ryanair axes Aberdeen flight to Malta

The Aberdeen to Malta route was launched by Ryanair flying out of Aberdeen International Aiport for the first time last year.  But the airline has carried out a review of its services and has now confirmed the service will no longer be available from the end of this month.  Ryanair said it had taken account of route performance and market demand.  (Source: eveningexpress.co.uk, 16-Oct-2019)

Freebird Europe to station an A320 in Leipzig/Halle next summer

Maltese airline Freebird Airlines Europe will be stationing an Airbus A320 in Leipzig/Halle (Germany) in next summer season to operate charter flights for TUI travel group.  From May 2020, fights to Heraklion, Kos, Corfu and Rhodes (Greece); Burgas and Varna (Bulgaria); Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria (Spain); Antalya (Turkey); Hurghada (Egypt) and Djerba (Tunisia) will be offered.  In total, between May and October 2020, around 60,000 seats will be available.  (Source: austrianaviation.net, 7-Oct-2019)

Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air to start operating by next month

The airline Malta Air is to start operating next month on the routes which used to be operated by Ryanair.  Malta Air's CEO, D. O’Conghalie, announced that in summer, the company will start operating six new routes which will increase the number of passengers by 6%.  He said that the company will have 14 planes registered in Malta, six of which will be based here.

During a press conference Mr O’Conghalie said that up to May, Malta Air will continue with Ryanair's schedule but in June it will introduce six new routes while it will increase the frequency of other routes.  As from next summer, the company will operate two flights per week on the new routes to Brindisi, Trieste and Trapani in Italy, Nis in Serbia, Paphos in Cyprus and Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Tourism Minister K. Mizzi said that this expansion shows the confidence in Malta of the second largest airline in Europe because Malta Air is an extension of Ryanair.

"The 6% increase in passengers is an enormous increase even when compared with the Ryanair Group, as it means we have the highest growth in the group. There is a commitment towards Malta while Ryanair is closing other bases outside of Malta and Malta is being consolidated.  By next year, Malta Air will have 50 planes on its books."

The CEO of Malta Air said that to operate more flights, it will be using new Boeing 737 MAX planes, six of which will carry the Malta Air design.  Mr O’Conghalie said that Ryanair is waiting for the 737 MAX model to be certified good for flying before summer.

Speaking about the pilots and crew who will be working with Malta Air and who will be based in Malta, Mr O’Conghalie said that they will have different contracts to Ryanair.  "It’s a new deal, that Malta-based staff will have here and we have a three year deal which our pilots have recently unanimously accepted, so it’s a new airline and it's a new set of arrangements."  (Source: tvm.com.mt, 11-Oct-2019)

Swiftair cargo flight Cologne-Malta diverts to Catania

A Swiftair B737-300F (EC-KLR), operating cargo flight WT-7272 from Cologne/Bonn (Germany) to Malta IAP, had to divert to Catania (Sicily, Italy) this morning because of bad weather over the Maltese Islands.  The freighter then continued to Malta IAP reaching destination with a delay of nearly 4-hrs 40-mins.  (Source: flightradar24.com, 9-Oct-2019)

Malta IAP releases traffic results for Sep-19

September was off to a busy start at Malta Int'l Airport, registering just over 28,800 passenger movements on the first day.  By the end of September, the airport team had welcomed 762,361 passengers, translating into an increase of 7.8% over the same month last year.

Aircraft movements for the month of September were up by 6.5%, while seat capacity registered an increase of 7.3%.  Registering a marginal improvement of 0.3 pp over the same month last year, seat load factor stood at 86.2%.

Malta IAP's most popular markets for the month were the United Kingdom (+1.8 %), Italy (+4.5%), Germany (+25.5%), France (-1.0%) and Spain (+2.5%).  Cumulatively, these five markets contributed more than 500,000 passenger movements to September’s total traffic.

September also saw Malta IAP launch its last new route for the summer season, when it welcomed the first flight from Cairo (Egypt).  (Source: maltairport.com, 7-Oct-2019)

Hyperion Aviation adds Global 7500 to its Maltese registered fleet

Registration:		9H-MAF
ICAO Mode-S:		4D2203
Construction No.:		70014
Aircraft Type:		Bombardier Global 7500
Operator:		Hyperion Aviation Ltd.
Notes:		ex C-FXAZ

Malta Air B738 returns to Cologne due to dual FMS failure

A Malta Air Boeing 737-800 (9H-QAK), operating flight FR-409 for Ryanair from Cologne (Germany) to Copenhagen (Denmark), was climbing out of Cologne when the crew stopped the climb at FL100 reporting both Flight Management Systems (FMS) had failed.  The aircraft returned to Cologne for a safe landing on RWY 14L about 35-mins after departure.  A replacement Ryanair B738 (EI-DAE) departed Cologne with a delay of nine hours. (Source: avherald com, 5-Oct-2019)

Air CM Global adds Learjet 60 to its Maltese registered fleet

Registration:		9H-SAN
ICAO Mode-S:		4D21FB
Construction No.:		60-335
Aircraft Type:		Learjet 60XR
Operator:		Air CM Global Ltd.
Notes:		ex TC-MEN