Air Malta hits out at Ryanair, defends fuel surcharge

Air Malta yesterday lashed out against criticism levelled at it by Ryanair for raising its fuel surcharge.

The global rise in aviation fuel prices, which in fact exceeds the increase of crude oil, is affecting all airlines independent of their size, the national airline said.

"Air Malta's increase in the surcharge will hardly cover 15 per cent of the increase in annual fuel costs expected for this year. The airline has made it clear that it is committed to meet the gap through further cost reductions and efficiencies."

At a press conference last week, Ryanair's Chief Operating Officer, Michael Cawley guaranteed that Ryanair will not slap a fuel surcharge on its customers while noting that Air Malta had raised its surcharge.

Air Malta chairman Lawrence Zammit pointed out that over a five-year period the prices of aviation fuel have shot up by over 400 per cent from $30 to $165 per barrel.

In a reference to Ryanair, he said it was, however, not Air Malta's policy "to go around knocking on the doors of airport authorities cap-in-hand threatening to pull out flight services if the airport does not give the airline any subsidies, or increase their subsidies to make up for the price of fuel".

Mr Zammit added: "Our average flight prices are way below the figure quoted by the Irish airline. I will be kind, however, and assume that the statement made by Mr Cawley is more of a sick joke rather than anything else. Over these last years we have worked very hard with the support of all our stakeholders to reduce our costs and offer our clients a low-fare high-quality service.

"Our strategy is to offer the best consistent services, frequencies and connections to and from Malta. Air Malta has proved time and again that it is an airline really committed to the Maltese market and its tourism industry by bringing over to Malta millions of tourists from a host of destinations. Other airlines have come and gone. More will do the same. Air Malta will remain committed to the Maltese community and its tourism industry for the years to come."

The airline said its commitment to Maltese society includes continual support to persons needing to go abroad for medical treatment and their families, support to organisers of cultural events, support to Maltese artists, support to the environment and support to Maltese sports organisations amongst others.

"It is this social commitment to the Maltese community that distinguishes Air Malta from other airlines operating to Malta. Thirty five years on, that social commitment is as strong as ever."