British airline operator Jet2.com lands in Malta

The British leisure operator Jet2.com and Jet2holidays yesterday officially launched an array of flights to Malta as it landed at Malta International Airport for the first time.

In a press release, MIA said that the Jet2.com, whose first aircraft arrived from Newcastle, will also be operating low fare flights and great value package holidays from East Midlands, Manchester, Leeds Bradford and Glasgow airports.

“The first flight from Newcastle yesterday was welcomed by Malta Tourism Authority Chairman Dr. Gavin Gulia and MIA CEO Alan Borg,” the statement reads.

“British holidaymakers on board were welcomed with flowers before being invited to a cake-cutting ceremony,” it added.

“Summer has already started in Malta, so it’s the perfect timing to be welcoming a new airline that can offer the British market more choice,” Borg said.

“The addition of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays summer programme enhances Malta’s offering to its biggest tourism market, the United Kingdom. We look forward to welcoming many new passengers this year,” he added.

"We're delighted to bring our low fares, trustworthy package holidays and famous friendly service to Malta. As the UK’s third largest tour operator, this summer is set to be our biggest yet. And as our first flights arrive in Malta, we’re already launching our Summer 2016 programme and look forward to growing our product in Malta and Gozo," Steve Heapy, Chief Executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said.

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that the government views air-route development as a pillar of growth in tourism

“We welcome Jet2.com’s network of flights to Malta as it is clearly aligned with this objective. I am confident of a successful and sustained relationship between Malta and Jet2.com and look forward towards welcoming more British tourists to our islands,” Zammit Lewis said.

“The advent of Jet2.com not only continues to increase opportunities for Maltese tourism but also continues to diversify the range of air service providers linking Malta with the outside world. Jet2.com will further strengthen Malta's prospects in a number of regional airport catchment areas thereby making Malta and Gozo more accessible to greater numbers of potential British visitors over the coming years,” said MTA CEO Paul Bugeja.

Jet2.com first landed in Malta on Thursday May 21st 2015 and becomes the third airline marking its inaugural flights this year. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays flights and package holidays will be operated weekly from Newcastle (Thursday), East Midlands (Friday), Leeds Bradford (Saturday) and Glasgow (Tuesday) and bi-weekly on Mondays and Fridays from Manchester.