MLP criticises Air Malta's decision to stop Glasgow flight

David Harris

Nov 21st 2008, 06:35

I in common with many Scots was stunned and dismayed by AM decision to cut the Glasgow flights, these flights were always full and Never Low cost but premium cost. The arguement that they were low cost is untrue, as is the fact that alternative carriers are available. I am now have a minimum 10 hour journey to reach Luqa, as I travel with my Mother who Loves Malta and the Maltese it is unlikely she will at 76 be able to endure the travel. We travel to and from our Gozo home once a month. This is short sighted action and it will impact on the economy. as I know many Scots who have spent large sums in Island are considering selling up and moving out. What a pity for everyone, I guess it is time to move on

C. Vella

Jul 31st 2008, 19:05

Why is the Maltese public so critical of AM. Where were the critics when Airmalta was accepting the stranded passengers left behind by the glorious Ryanair and EasyJet during the transport strike fiasco for free.

The truth is that AM has to balance its financial needs together with the social needs of this egoistical country. Let Airmalta be competitive on all fronts but that means no more subsidies to its competitors.

After all I wouldn't be surprised if AM was unwillingly pushed into this decision in order to make way to a low cost airline to take over the northern British routes with the help of government subsidies.

As for those that have stated that Airmalta has stopped low cost airlines from operating from these routes, I guess you need to get your facts right. Airmalta never stopped anybody from competing on those routes. The routes could be operated by any airline in the EU. The fact is that they are not profitable without the government subsidy.

Phil Press

Jul 31st 2008, 16:57

Kevin, years ago Air Malta did do Glasgow/Newcastle/Malta. But now they do not even fly to Newcastle. Must be no people above Manchester. Maybe more in Exeter. Or so it seems.

Kevin J. Farrugia

Jul 31st 2008, 15:28

I have been living in Glasgow for 2 years now. When I came here the first time I remember there was flights on monday, thursday and saturday. Then it became only monday and thursday and soon it is going to be none at all. I understand that maybe the flight is not viable any more. However I am sure they can connect to another airport such as newcastle and do at least one flight a week. The plane will certainly be full! Air Malta have been doing these connecting flights for a while such as Catania - Gatwick. Hopefully something will emerge from this!

m farrugia

Jul 31st 2008, 14:43

Since the end of Labour's 20 year old honeymoon and the appointment of JM, the newly appointed Labour spokesmen are making trying hard to impress us by issuing daily press releases, trying to make us believe that they have the magic solutions to all the country's problems. And now we have the champion of the Brigata Laburista and all those who just sit at home and receive social services from taxpayers' money telling the Govt. that Airmalta should continue operating non profitable routes and us taxpayers making good for the losses.

Subsidies are never a solution. They were a solution at a time when we had a country with an inexistent infrastructure and we could therefore afford to splash out subsidies and keep workers happy doing nothing.Taxpayers expect Airmalta to market its routes better and offer last minute offers, for example to its Flypass members in a bid to fill up its planes.

To be fair, neither low cost routes should be subsidised.Instead pressure should be put on MIA to lower its fees in a way that they compare to airports handling a similar amount of traffic , a move from which even Airmalta would benefit.

M. Buhagiar

Jul 31st 2008, 14:08

@Matthew Azzopardi

If AirMalta had not invested millions of pounds which went down the drain to aquire the RJ-70`s ( Remember them ??) maybe we would not have to FORGE any money and still maintain a decent service .

The problem in this country is that nobody is ACCOUNTABLE !!

Ian Glazier

Jul 31st 2008, 13:56

The comments by Mrs Coleiro Preca are most welcomed by those who have an interest in direct flights from Glasgow.
I have been trying since May to get straight answers from AM .
Despite a personal visit to head office in Valetta in June and 3 recent e mails to a mr Brock Friesen I still have no answers to what is happening in the future.
Will the flights be reintroduced in the summer?
Will another Airline be taking over.?
I enyoyed my first visit to Malta about 18 months ago and have been back 10 times since then
and now the owner of a flat in Buggiba.I have also been responsible for 80 person visits of friends and relatives this year alone.
The cessation of the direct flight will stop all this.
I have never seen any flights which were empty and the most was about 10 empty seats generally all seats are taken.
The flights are reasonably priced at moment and am sure most would pay additional for the flights to continue.
One thing is certain tourism in Malta will most certainly suffer as the Scots are renowned big spenders.
Hope this debate continues as do the flights.

Tony Morris

Jul 31st 2008, 12:49

Air Malta are pricing themselves out of business when some fares from the UK are double & even treble what they were this time last year and it's not all due to fuel prices but more to do with greed.British holidaymakers here lots of choice on where to go and high flight prices are making Malta far too expensive. I suppose someone will wake up to reality when it's to late!!

A Daley

Jul 31st 2008, 11:44

Why all this hype?

Air Malta will be gone in 3 years time. PN are doing their utmost to render this flying Maltese flag to nothing.

Ta ta to the last Labour's heavy investment that provided something for the Maltese to really compete and show our skills.

PN never had faith in our ability, and that is why they brought in foreign investors to completely take over all that Labour invested in and was ours during non stop and constant criticism by PN. Remember PN slogans that Air Malta planes are old and not safe to fly in? Lies deceit, but then again, that's what PN are known for!
Remember the constant criticism that Air Malta was very expensive and that once PN get into office fares will be slashed? Compare the fares today! How much profit is this baby making these days?

What's next?

HENRY SAMMUT

Jul 31st 2008, 10:33

Its really not the way to run a company like air malta,I travel twice a year to see my family back home and if the service stops I will need to get two flights from here .
Hope fully some body will think about the decision and leave the service the way it is.

charlie odonnell

Jul 31st 2008, 10:33

a reader stated yesterday that "scots can fly to england and get a flight from there".A holiday is
supposed to be stress free,not having to worry about delays,heaving luggage around terminals,
and missed connections.the ultimate losers will be Maltese tourism,we holidayed twice a
year in Malta,but it looks like cyprus from now on???

Steve Evans

Jul 31st 2008, 10:32

A dreadful decision on what has become a very popular route, flights always seem full to the land of beautiful scenery and the second retail outlet in the country, Glasgow. Think hard on the loss of this route Air Malta, at least keep the Thursday flight going, I'm sure I speak for many here in Malta.

Matthew Azzopardi

Jul 31st 2008, 10:03

Will the MLP forge out the money if AirMalta were to lose competitiveness if they operate non viable routes?!?! Just Curiosity