Austrian Airlines launch Vienna-Malta flight

Austrian Airlines Group yesterday made its first Vienna-Malta flight, launching a non-stop service between the two destinations that will operate five times a week.

The flights will be operated by Lauda Air, part of the Austrian Airlines Group.

A spokesman for the group said the new service would connect Malta to the Vienna hub which links to more than 110 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Far East, Australia, North America and Africa.

"Our aim is to be regarded as a prime choice carrier for the public, travelling on business and leisure, around the world."

The schedule on both the Vienna-Malta and Malta-Vienna routes offers connections to and from the major western and eastern European cities.

The service also offers connections to long haul destinations such as Beijing, Melbourne, Sydney, Washington, New York, Tokyo, Osaka, Toronto and Montreal.

The aircraft being used on the route are 737-400s and 737-800s.

Austrian Airlines said its prices would be "very competitive". It believes there is potential for substantially higher incoming tourism to Malta from Vienna, especially in months such as April and May.