UK cargo agents on Malta visit

For the second consecutive year, Air Malta Cargo Systems invited a group of UK Cargo Agents on a two-day visit to Malta as part of its marketing activities.

This visit was in line with the airline's policy to express its satisfaction towards the continued support of its business partners in the field of airfreight and, at the same time, to take the opportunity to discuss the further development of the UK airfreight market to Malta with the respective parties.

Victor Bonnici, Air Malta Deputy Group Head Passenger & Cargo Services, hosted the group and their local representation for welcome drinks and buffet at the Big Blue Restaurant in the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Air Malta's Group General Manager, Joe Cappello, together with Air Malta's Group Head Passenger & Cargo Services, Manuel Agius, hosted the group for an official lunch at Le Chateau' Restaurant Grand Hotel Mercure Coralia Selmun Palace.

Addressing the guests, Mr Cappello said that considering the events of 11 September and the subsequent negative effects on International travel and business in general, Air Malta is pleased to note that its strategic efforts in these difficult circumstances, are slowly giving results.

In cargo terms, the United Kingdom market managed to deliver an acceptable result, with an aggregate uplift of 1.37 million tons of cargo. In many ways, this represents Air Malta's commitment and the much valued support and loyalty of its customers.

Mr Cappello went on to say, "Air Malta's consistency and reliability of service on the UK route, together with frequencies provided, has proven, time and time again, that our clientele appreciates our services. The familiar faces present indeed reflect an ongoing partnership."

He also added that "'The present global cargo market situation and the direction that Air Malta should take to meet the challenges of the near future were discussed recently during a cargo marketing conference. Amongst other aspects, the conference discussed development of new products and confirmed the continued services of our Sunday freighter operations. The conference also agreed to introduce freighter operations between Malta and Tripoli. This product is aimed at creating the needed additional space for European traffic to 'hub' in Malta for this destination. This service operates three times weekly".

Mr Cappello concluded by thanking all the Agents for their loyalty and professionalism in the way they sell Air Malta.

The group was accompanied by Mario Ghio, Air Malta's Station Manager UK and Ireland, Mr J. Barnett, Managing Director of WEXCO - Air Malta General Sales Agent for UK and Ireland, and Air Cargo

Week journalist Tony Carding. Aside of the business aspect, the UK group were also the host of Air Malta for a sightseeing Tour of Malta.

Upon their return to the UK, various messages of application were received by Air Malta from the members of the group through WEXCO. Whilst thanking Air Malta for their enjoyable stay, the importance of working with such a professional, committed and enthusiastic Company as Air Malta, the trip was seen to go a long way in cementing relationships with our customers.