Efly plans low-cost business travel to Gatwick

Efly, the new charter airline to be based in Malta is to offer low-cost business travel and will be marketed as a low-cost "luxury" airline, according to Luigi Crispino, the company's CEO.

The airline has applied to operate the Malta London Gatwick route, following British Airways' departure from the island.

"We will introduce a new concept of low-cost business travel - luxury low-cost. We are confident we can introduce a new product - we are low cost but we can be a luxury low cost airline for the business traveller. Our fare for a business class seat will be the same as the economy class fare of a regular airline.

"Our aircraft have a seat capacity of 122 but we will reduce this to about 100 for more space. We will have between eight and 12 business class seats available with a 36 inch pitch. Our economy seat fare will be about €50," Mr Crispino said.

He said he wanted to introduce new manner in which to operate a low-cost airline.

"Low cost traditionally means - in people's minds - no frills, without a service and a lot of hidden costs. We will have no hidden costs. The price quoted will be all-inclusive. We think we can conduct the business of a low-cost airline in a different manner," he said.

Mr Cristiano said it was not yet clear whether Efly would be given the same Gatwick slot as the one British Airways occupied, saying the airline had requested a morning slot for the Gatwick flight from Malta which Malta International airport had agreed to.

"Now we are waiting for the response from Gatwick. If Gatwick does not agree to our request we will review our options - if for example they give us a 3 a.m. slot this will be a problem. However, we are hopeful that Gatwick will agree to our request," he said.