Air Malta emphasises its ‘unabated efforts to keep the Islands connected’

With international connectivity being disrupted during these testing times, Malta’s flag carrier, Air Malta, has stressed its continuous efforts in keeping the Islands connected and ensure a steady flow of supplies, medical equipment, and cargo.

Following Tuesday’s suspension of commercial services from the UK to Malta, the airline has announced that with immediate effect and with higher restrictions being adopted, its flights to and from the United Kingdom will remain operational. More information on that can be found here.

Outgoing Chairman Dr Charles Mangion said the airline’s priority at this time is to ensure safety, flexibility and peace of mind. Dr Mangion added that Air Malta is the only Airline that remains committed to continue providing connectivity to the Maltese Islands during such a challenging period.

This morning, an Air Malta aircraft flew to Oviedo in the Asturias region in Northern Spain to bring to Malta a consignment of 8.2 tonnes of medical equipment.

Over the past months, it carried more than 600 tonnes of cargo including medicine, vaccines, personal protective equipment, microelectronics, mail and perishables.

Furthermore, it organised special freighter services for the Maltese Government to carry 1,100 tons of additional medical supplies, radioactive material required for several treatments at Mater Dei Hospital, and other lifesaving medication.

“This year we also carried the influenza vaccine. This year, more than ever, Air Malta has shown its strategic importance to the Islands,” the national carrier wrote in a statement.

When Malta International Airport was closed for commercial traffic, the airline maintained connections to major European hubs and repatriated over 12,000 passengers whilst operating over 500 flight sectors.

Air Malta reminds customers wishing to change tickets that they can call its call centre on +356 21662211, or visit its Sales Office at Malta International Airport.

The national carrier has been a bone of contention for successive Governments, which has majority ownership of the company, after it continued to register losses for decades.

In 2019, the airline reported turning a profit for its 2018 financial year after decades of losses. No official financial reports have been posted since then however MaltaToday has reported that the airline forecasts €130 million in COVID-19 related losses.

As relayed in today’s press statement by Air Malta, the national carrier proved to be of strategic importance in securing essential supplies and returning stranded citizens.