I am a loyal supporter of Air Malta and have been flying the airline very frequently indeed for over 14 years.

The main reasons for flying Air Malta as opposed to the competitive so-called low-cost airlines such as Ryanair or Easyjet are the excellent in-flight service, the ability to check in more than one suitcase, extra baggage allowance to Flypass holders and the helpful and resourceful cabin crew.

Well, first the 30 kilogramme baggage allowance dropped to 25 kilogrammes sometime last year and this caused me quite a few headaches trying to remove important but heavy objects from my suitcase.

Now the last straw is the removal of the complimentary meal and accompanying non-alcoholic drinks.

I have just landed in Gatwick Airport from my flight KM116 and not only were there no hot meals to purchase, as had been mentioned in the press, but cabin crew members have withdrawn their trolley service in protest at the removal of their complimentary hot meals as was stipulated in their service contract.

So one could not even purchase a soft drink never mind any alcohol.

If Air Malta is emulating the no-frills service of the low-cost airlines then this should definitely be reflected in their seat prices which are far far more expensive than their competitors. Please bring back the exemplary hot meal and trolley service and the airline will certainly keep its loyal clientele.

The present action is reflected in the number aboard the flights today. Gatwick had 42 passengers and Heathrow around 70!