Cheap Flights on Air Malta. Book online Air Malta fares.
Air Malta Travel/Flight Information
Cheap Flights on Air Malta. Book online Air Malta fares.
Air Malta is the national flag carrying airline of the small Mediterranean republic of Malta.
Although the airline's home country may be small, it, like the airline, punches well above its weight as a holiday destination and Air Malta has been serving tourists with a warm welcome that belies its stature for more than 30 years.
Established by a resolution in Air Malta's house of representatives in 1973, the wholly government-owned airline was officially established in March of that year.
With a mandate to serve the national interest via the development of air transport links to the island, the airline aimed high and began its operations by jumping straight in with jet aircraft - namely two Boeing 720Bs wet leased from Pakistan International Airlines.
The airline began operating routes to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Rome, Frankfurt, Paris and Tripoli in 1974.
It continued to grow rapidly over the next decade, reaching a major milestone in 1982, its eighth year of operations, when it signed an agreement with Boeing to buy three 737s.
The aircraft arrived in time for Air Malta's tenth birthday celebrations the following year.
In the late 80s, Air Malta ordered the first aircraft from Airbus. Updated versions of these European-designed planes now form the backbone of its hardworking fleet alongside its new Boeings.
Another milestone was reached in 1992 when the new Malta International Airport opened, a facility which the airline had been involved in designing and which would provide Air Malta with its home to this day.
When Malta joined the European Union in May 2004, new opportunities arose for Air Malta.
In typical style, the airline took the initiative and started operating intra-European flights between Catania and London's Gatwick Airport.
Air Malta also capitalised on new opportunities by setting up bases in the UK and started to operate charter flights from the UK to a number of holiday destinations in Europe.
Today, Air Malta has a fleet of new Airbus A320s, Airbus A319s and Boeing 737-300s, which operate flights to more than 50 destinations around the world.
Air Malta offers flights to a number of destinations spread throughout Europe and during Christmas 2007 the airline got into a festive mood, with a programme of charter services from its UK bases to Rovaniemi airport in Finnish Lapland.
The range of services consisted of a number of daytrips and one-night stays provided by a UK tour operator, offering an ideal chance for British parents to take their children to the home of Santa Claus.
For those who don't mind paying a little more for some extra luxury, the Air Malta club class service offers more than just extra seat space and luxurious food.
Even before the flight, club class passengers can benefit from priority service, with a baggage allowance of 30kg and dedicated check-in counters at Malta International Airport.
When flying from London Heathrow, club class passengers can also make use of the airport's Fast Track service, speeding up the transit through security checks.
At Malta International Airport, club class passengers can also enjoy use of the La Valette lounge, allowing passengers time to relax in comfortable surroundings before boarding their flight.
Despite being small, the airline seems to have weathered the 2008-09 economic storm well and has kept doing what it does best - punching well above its weight and welcoming tourists to Malta with a large, warm smile.
If you want the very cheapest airfares that Air Malta can offer, be sure to book through Major Travel.
Cheap Flights on Air Malta. Book online Air Malta fares.
Last updated: 21st August 2008
