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Julian Manduca
NSTS, the travel company that made a name for itself offering cheaper travel for youths and students, has stopped offering its discounted fares with Air Malta over the past few months.
Thousands of students have been clients of NSTS over the years benefiting from the cheaper prices of the only travel agency authorised to offer such fares. According to the company’s marketing blurb, NSTS’s objectives are “to organise, direct and develop social, educational and cultural exchange, mobility programs for students and youth,” but many students have traditionally booked with the agency simply to benefit from its cheaper prices when travelling.
The agreement NSTS had with Air Malta lapsed some months ago and has not yet been renewed, meaning that those travelling with NSTS pay the full fare, enriching the bank accounts of both the ‘discount’ travel company and Air Malta.
Questions sent to NSTS Managing Director Francis Stivala remained unanswered despite several reminders and telephone calls to his office this week, while MaltaToday was always told that Stivala was “busy”.
Late Friday afternoon, a one-line message was received from Stivala’s personal assistant stating: “in the present situation, we desire not to comment.” NSTS still offers cheaper fares for flights with Lufthansa.
When asked about the matter Air Malta also remained tight-lipped on the issue and told MaltaToday: “The questions relate to a business relationship which Air Malta has with one of its key clients. Therefore we are unable to divulge commercial details.”
Neither NSTS nor Air Malta would indicate when a new agreement on student fares could be signed, and while everyone has the right to remain silent students and youths will continue to face higher air fares.
julian@newsworksltd.com
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