Air Malta has long been the flagship of the Maltese islands. Over the years it established itself among the elite of airlines.

I think the service is second to none and deserves the highest of praise but unfortunately, like many other airlines, it has been unable to balance its books. Of course many would pontificate as to reasons why our beloved Air Malta has hit financial problems. But whatever the reasons, the fact is that we must ensure it survives.

I have recently taken advantage of the Air Malta sale and flew paying what in today’s prices is a pittance; I took this as a reward as over the last 30 odd years I have always used our national airline. As a Maltese it gives me great pride to approach an Air Malta plane depicting the Maltese cross parked next to other major airlines. Survival of Air Malta is a must; Malta without our own airline is not worth even contemplating. Budget airlines do not even come as a close second.