Air Malta will be operating once again dedicated flights for the Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St John for its annual pilgrimage to Lourdes in France.

The team was made up of 320 passengers, including knights and dames of the Order, together with a group of patients helped by volunteers and carers.

This trip marked the annual congregation of the Knights of the Order who converge in Lourdes from all over the world.

The Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St John organises such a pilgrimage every year on the first weekend in May, while Air Malta takes care of direct charter flights from Malta to Lourdes and back.

Air Malta has supported organisations like the Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St John with transportation needs for annual pilgrimages, in accordance with their mission.

The Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St John of Jerusalem, one of the oldest institutions of western and Christian civilisation, is a lay religious order traditionally of military, chivalrous and noble nature, but devoted to the exercise of Christian virtue and charity.

The Knights of Malta are distinguished by their commitment through voluntary work to reaching spiritual perfection within the Church and to expending their energies serving the poor and the sick.

“For some, this trip is a one-time experience that helps alleviate some of the stress and pressures experienced in their daily routine.

“As a national airline, we take great pride in offering our care and resources to such organisations,” said Joseph Galea, the airline’s deputy chief commercial officer.

Air Malta features the eight-pointed Maltese cross on its aircraft, the same cross borne by the Knights of Malta, that symbolises the spirit of hospitality and social responsibility towards the Maltese community.