Air Malta said today that it has added Leipzig Halle as its sixth destination to its German schedule portfolio.

The airline expects that in the initial six months, this new route will bring to Malta over 11,000 new tourists.

“The prospects are very positive as this was reflected by the fact that last Sunday’s inaugural flight from Leipzig to Malta was completely full,” the airline said.

Air Malta launched the new service, following the positive results it has achieved on all its German routes throughout this winter (November - March ‘08).

Brock Friesen, Air Malta’s Chief Officer, Commercial, said, “Air Malta was encouraged by the strong performance it has registered throughout this winter on its core routes, particularly by the German market, where we carried over 84,000 passengers - a dramatic increase of 33% over the previous winter. Air Malta is consistently generating substantial new traffic into Malta with positive direct impact on the tourism industry.”

Dr Friesen said that on the Munich route the airline increased its passengers by 70%, Frankfurt by 30%, Berlin by 20%, Dusseldorf by 4% and Hamburg by1%.

“The development of this new Leipzig route will enhance the airline’s market reach from Eastern Germany.” he added.

“Air Malta is also aware of the cargo business development within Leipzig. The airport has also established itself in the carriage of air cargo, courier services and freight possibilities”, remarked Dr. Friesen.

The Wednesday flight departs Malta at 4.10 p.m. arriving at 6.55pms while the Sunday flight departs at 7 a.m. arriving in Leipzig at 9.45. The return flight on Wednesdays departs Leipzig at 7.40, arriving at 10.25 p.m. while the Sunday flight departs at 10.35 a.m. arriving in Malta at 1.20 p.m.