Air Malta has announced two new routes, to Liverpool and Venice, just days after low-cost airline Ryanair expressed an interest in servicing these destinations.

Air Malta will start operating to the two destinations in May and is offering "full service treatment" at a low-cost price - starting from Lm20 one-way (excluding taxes) as an introductory offer.

Competition is certainly proving to be healthy for consumers; since the arrival of Ryanair, the two airlines have been trying to outdo each other on advantageous offers.

Soon after Air Malta's winter sale offer, Ryanair said that its seats cost a fraction of Air Malta's prices. Then, on Wednesday, Ryanair said it was discussing a list of eight possible destinations that it could service, including Liverpool and Venice.

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech had said that he had been willing to consider Ryanair's proposal to Venice Treviso Airport, but not to Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Air Malta's marketing and product general manager Brian Bartolo said the airline was estimating that it would attract 25,000 additional tourists to Malta from these two areas.

"This is also more good news for Maltese customers who now have the opportunity to visit two new exciting destinations next summer. Since both flights will be operated every Friday and Monday we expect that this offer will entice both tourists and Maltese travelling for weekend breaks," he said.

Air Malta's twice-weekly flight to Liverpool and Venice will start on May 4. The introductory offer is also open to incoming tourists, with prices starting from £30 and €45 (excluding taxes).

Reservations and ticketing for this offer are to be made between Tuesday and November 10. Certain conditions and travel restrictions may apply. For more information call on 2166-2211, Air Malta's sales offices, travel agents, or click on www.airmalta.com