New airlines operate Oslo, Milan routes to Malta

Two airlines, Norwegian and Volareweb, have commenced direct flights to Malta from Oslo and Milan respectively.

Norwegian AS is operating two flights a week, every Tuesday and Saturday, departing from the Norwegian capital at 2.05 p.m. and leaving Malta at 7.10 p.m.. It is one of Europe’s leading low fare airlines, having commenced operations in September 2002 with four domestic routes using six B737-300 aircraft. Today, Norwegian operates 130 routes – 11 domestic and 119 international – serviced with a modern fleet of 24 B737-300 aircraft in a 148-seater configuration.

Low-fares airline Volareweb.com is flying between Malta and Milan three times a week on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The airline was founded in April 2006 by incorporating all the services of the Volare Group and its subsidiary companies Volare Airlines and Air Europe. Though a relatively new company, Volare operates a mix of domestic and international services.

Malta International Airport said the introduction of these new services to Malta was the result of successful negotiations which it and the Malta Tourism Authority had conducted in their efforts to attract more business to Malta.

"These airlines should further contribute towards increasing the seat capacity from Norway and Italy and therefore greater accessibility for passengers," MIA said.

Comments

Jean-Pierre Tabone Adami (2 weeks ago)

No. Easyjet started operating in April from Gatwick and Manchester, not from any other destination (yet). No new flights start on 5 May!

And the Volare Group (in fact Volare SpA) IS part of Alitalia group, although there is still ongoing litigation as to the validity of the contract of sale. The Volare Group already underwent bankruptcy proceedings in 2004 and was bought out by Alitalia as a result.

Finally to reaffirm, the Volare Group is in SERIOUS financial difficulties, of its own making, and that of the Alitalia group.

Gianluca Barbieri (2 weeks, 1 day ago)

If i'm not mistaken EasyJet will start operating direct flights to Malta on 5th May. Actually Alitalia had to reduce its amount of flights due to financial reasons and besides Volareweb is part of Volare Group not Alitalia Group. You're totally wrong mate.

Jean-Pierre Tabone Adami (2 weeks, 1 day ago)

Alitalia have dropped the Malpensa-Malta route which they operated daily. I don't see how replacing 7 weekly flights with Volareweb's 3 weekly will "contribute towards increasing the seat capacity"! Besides Volareweb (part of the Alitalia group) is one of the weaker low-cost carriers (LCCs), which may easily fall by the wayside the coming winter due to rising fuel prices and low passenger numbers.

MTA and MIA should be trying to entice Easyjet on the route. This profit-making LCC has a base in Malpensa.