Air Malta's inaugural flight to Reggio Calabria this week was the first international scheduled flight to land there.

Reggio mayor Giuseppe Scopelliti, who was present to greet the flight early on Tuesday morning, described the new service as a milestone for the future development of the region.

He thanked Air Malta for introducing the service saying it will definitely enhance tourism opportunities between Reggio and Malta. Hundreds of students from the region who used to travel to England to learn English will now be directed to language schools in Malta, the mayor added.

Dr Scopelliti said he would like to see further cooperation between the comune of Reggio Calabria and Air Malta. Dominic Attard, Air Malta's chief officer strategic planning, presented Dr Scopelliti with a gift to mark the occasion.

He said Air Malta is always looking for new opportunities to increase its activities in a sustainable way. "This particular initiative of introducing flights between Malta and Reggio was made possible with the assistance and cooperation of the Comune di Reggio Calabria. It is Air Malta's intention to build on these excellent relations to exploit the full potential of this cooperation," he said.

Air Malta's service to Reggio Calabria will run every Tuesday until September 27. Return fares start from Lm72 including taxes, fees and charges.