New low-cost airline 'an added benefit'

The Federation of Malta Hotels, Pensions and Catering Establishments has welcomed Britishjet, a low-cost airline launched recently to operate flights between Malta and the UK from May.

The airline will provide the much-needed added influx of incoming tourism, offer low-cost travel opportunities to the Maltese and also job opportunities as cabin crew, the federation said.

It was particularly happy with Britishjet's operation because it would definitely be an added benefit to its member establishments, both in the hotel and catering sectors, which could only gain from such operations.

The federation insisted that this initiative and similar operations by other local entrepreneurs, who also collectively spend thousands of liri annually to attract tourists to the islands through promotions and advertising, should be encouraged and supported fully by the government and other authorities.