More than half a million passengers flew Air Malta this last winter, a record for the airline which plans to showcase its dedication to the local market in its yearly International Travel Exhibition (Amitex) next weekend.
"After a long period of stagnation we have finally broken out of it and are growing aggressively in the winter months (between November 2007 and March 2008)," the airline's chief officer commercial, Brock Friesen, told a press conference held to launch the 15th edition of Amitex.
Air Malta carried 510,000 passengers on flights originating from its Malta base - an increase of 60,000 and a record 15 per cent growth over the previous winter. Scheduled 1traffic rose by 11 per cent while charter traffic was up 21 per cent.
These positive results were achieved in all of the airline's core markets. Over last winter, Air Malta increased its passengers from the UK by six per cent, from Germany by 32 per cent, Italy by 41 per cent and France by 25 per cent.
Dr Friesen attributed the airline's winter success to a number of factors. The existing code-share agreements with Lufthansa, Air One, and other airline partners enhanced Air Malta's expanding network giving Maltese travellers daily connectivity via European hubs and access to over 180 destinations worldwide.
The airline has also implemented over 20 interline e-ticketing airline agreements allowing the passengers a seamless travel with through check-in baggage facilities.
Dr Friesen also mentioned the airline's aggressive marketing campaigns across Europe adding that the new web portal and internet booking engine were generating exceptional results.
Through Expedia, a leading global internet player, Air Malta was also offering hotel accommodation in Malta and abroad, booking and reservations for major attractions, shows and events, museum passes, theatre and football tickets, city tours and a host of activities happening worldwide. It also launched an online insurance cover through the Mondial Assistance Group.
He added that, although the majority of the passengers were inbound, this travel market supported the airline and served to the advantage of outbound passengers as it translated into an increase in destinations and frequencies to main European gateways.
Air Malta's marketing and product general manager, Brian Bartolo, then introduced the 15th edition of the Amitex fair that, for the first time, will be held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) between April 24 and 27.
Travel agents, tour operators, hotel representatives and other travel professionals - both local and foreign - will be promoting their services under one roof.
Mr Bartolo added that, throughout Amitex, Air Malta will promote its summer 2008 flight schedule which will run till the end of October. In fact, this summer Air Malta will operate 200 flights every week to 40 scheduled destinations to Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The airline will promote the latest additions to its destinations - Leipzig starting on May 4 and Innsbruck starting on July 16.
This summer Air Malta will be increasing capacity and frequencies to Berlin, Catania, London Gatwick, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Rome among others.
It will also highlight its latest summer 2008 Flyaway Tours brochure and a special stand will be dedicated to Air Malta's 35th anniversary.
The Air Malta Young Aviator club mascot, Captain KozMo will be present at the family area where, together with the Curtain Raiser team, they will offer entertainment.
During the fair, Air Malta in conjunction with the Tree For You (34U) campaign, will be offering all those who purchase a 34U tree a €20 (Lm8.50) voucher redeemable for Air Malta flights. Amitex fair-goers will also get the chance to win fabulous prizes.
The fair has an entrance fee of €1 (Lm0.43). It will open from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. from April 24 to 26. On April 27 it will open at 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and re-open from 4 p.m. till 9 p.m.