Air Malta to announce new fleet Friday

Air Malta is set to announce its final choice of provider for its new fleet at a press conference on Friday.

The past months have seen close competition between Airbus and Boeing, both of which have made presentations to Air Malta in line with the national airline’s long term business plan.

According to an Air Malta spokesperson speaking to The Malta Financial and Business Times yesterday, "Both Airbus and Boeing had delivered presentations for a fleet proposal and Air Malta has been given a number of opportunities from both.

"Air Malta has now evaluated all its options and the choice, to be announced on Friday, will definitely be the most favourable for the company."

Air Malta’s choice has been subject to a great deal of speculation and if recent media reports are correct, it would appear that Airbus has gained the upper hand over Boeing. But those following the developments will have to wait until Friday for an official announcement.

Air Malta’s decision to create a new fleet is important for the economy as a whole, as Air Malta has continuously been a major contributor to the development of tourism in Malta and hence to Malta’s economy as a whole.

As such, Air Malta’s decision to embark on acquiring a new fleet is being seen as enhancing Air Malta’s contribution to the economy in this respect.

Over the last 28 years, Air Malta has carried over 55 per cent of all traffic in and out of Malta, while also catering for 75 per cent of all scheduled traffic.

Air Malta has also continued to offer the tourism market opportunities for diversification through tapping new markets and offering new routes for tourists and Maltese alike.

Over and above that, Air Malta also offers industry the possibility of exporting locally manufactured goods to new markets.

Air Malta Chairman Louis Grech has been instrumental in leading Air Malta to the choice of a new fleet plan, which is expected to be greatly beneficial to Malta’s tourism product.