New route to Birmingham

Budget airline Ryanair said yesterday it would launch a service between Malta and Birmingham on December 15, with a one-way ticket now costing €32 including taxes.

Flights will operate twice weekly.

The airline operates from 44 bases, serving over 1,100 routes across 27 countries, connecting 160 destinations. It has a fleet of 250 aircraft with firm orders for a further 64.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary recently ran into controversy after news reports emerged he was trying to persuade the authorities to let his aircraft fly with just one pilot, arguing that a flight attendant could do the job of a co-pilot if needed.