The news that Ryanair would be reinforcing its presence in Malta by setting up Malta Air has been welcomed by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA), which said this was in line with its call for more connectivity.

The move would result in an increased fleet being based in Malta, more aircraft on the aviation register, and the servicing of aircraft, boosting the aviation industry, and staff relocated and resident in Malta, it said.

Praising the initiative taken by Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi, the MHRA pointed out that it has over the years consistently asserted that connectivity was “key for the tourism sector in Malta”.

“Therefore this is certainly moving Malta in the right direction,” it said.

In the meantime, the MHRA also welcomed the Prime Minister’s assertion that this initiative would not clash with the operations of Malta's national airline Air Malta.

“Air Malta remains pivotal for our islands and It’s important that it continues to be competitive and the main airline of the Maltese islands,” MHRA president Tony Zahra said.