Air Malta carried a total of 101,500 passengers in February, a whopping increase of 34.6 per cent compared to the same month last year, the airline said on Friday.

It is a record increase during the traditionally weakest month of the year, Air Malta said in a statement. 

Between November and February, the airline reported a strong growth of 24 per cent, making this winter season one of the most successful ever.

Should the figures continue to improve at the same rate, the airline will manage to close the financial year without any losses - it would be the first time in over 10 years, Air Malta chairman Charles Mangion said.

Paul Sies, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer said: "Although we had an excellent performance with regards to advanced bookings for the month of February, we were positively surprised that the same momentum was also retained during the month."

The airline increased its frequency on main routes and re-introduced Frankfurt airport.

The new strategy, which included the launch of the hand luggage only fare Go-Light proved to be popular among guests.

"We are looking forward the preliminary results for March... looking very promising," he said.

Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said during the winter months Malta managed to attract considerable tourists through various new flight connections.

In the last six months Air Malta launched a total of 13 new routes, including three intra-European services.