The achievements of big airlines are good news, but I tend to have a soft-spot for small airlines that struggle to beat all the odds. That is why I wish Air Malta a 'happy birthday'! after 35 years of being dwarfed by the big-boys!

One of the small operators, Air Malta is a high-flyer. Set up in 1973, it was given an Air Service Licence by the Minister for Civil Aviation¡K as in many small countries where officials double-up their jobs, he also happened to be the Prime Minister.

The Licence, issued for an initial period of ten years, was granted with one proviso; that Air Malta would remain in the hands of the Maltese government and/or the people of Malta, as individuals or as Maltese based companies with Maltese ownership. This has remained its foundation.

One can understand this thinking. In many parts of the world, wisely or not, many companies sell ownership to foreign investors. But, with Malta's heroic and desperate history during the Second World War, the country wanted to act freely and earn an income and reputation on its own merits.

Malta has been invaded many times, and controlled by many countries. Having control over its own airline was a signal to the world that Malta was small in size but big on ambition¡K and would make its own way in life. So, there was far more to Air Malta than merely starting up a business! The two airplanes would carry Malta's image to the world, with its distinctive red cross.

Air Malta, of course, complies with all international requirements and laws, and its safety standards are universal. One thing Air Malta has that can sometimes be missing, even with large companies, is the family-feel of cabin crew. They are friendly-plus, and this makes Air Malta special.

Scheduled flights began in 1974, using two Boeing 720b's leased from Pakistan International Airlines. Then, flights reached Britain, Rome, Frankfurt, Paris and Tripoli, the latter being 'just over the water'!. Today, Air Malta¡¦s aircraft go to 50 destinations. The fleet is completely modernised, along with new marketing strategies.

Even in its mid-stage days Air Malta's small fleet became the highest-utilisation aircraft in the world and strives to continue this aim. More aircraft were bought in 1986; the US$40 million credit financed by a consortium of ten international banks. The growing reputation of Air Malta meant that the loan was oversubscribed in syndication. Additions and replacements to the fleet were made regularly after that, and the company also had a hand in planning the new Maltese airport, which opened in 1992.

In 1994 the company added air-freight to its list, with Cargosystems and a Transhipment Centre, based at the old Malta passenger terminal at Luqa. For those who have an interest in the Second World War, even today you can see evidence of the lengthy wartime bomber runways around the main airport.

As you know from a previous report, Air Malta has now begun to offer short-stay holidays at competitive prices. Previously, it was not affordable, so Air Malta's change in pricing is vital for Malta to stay a top destination. It also has a holiday subsidiary based in London, and a stake in an insurance company.

This article cannot give a full description of everything achieved by Air Malta in a relatively short space of time, but its rate of growth has been impressive. Joining the European Union in 2004 was a manic time on the island. I know because I was in the traffic jam one evening in Valletta as klaxons, horns, music and songs reverberated around the city for many hours, after streams of open-topped cars drove around all of Malta in the day, waving huge national flags! Apart from encouraging a noisy celebration, joining gave the company opportunity to further expand its scheduled flights.

The problems that hit other airlines also affected Air Malta, so a critical eye examined expenditure and areas where savings could be made, with union help. This is crucial for a big airline, but can be life-saving for smaller ones.

So far, Air Malta has not just survived, but has grown and diversified. Malta was battered by war, but came out of it smiling and ready to make its mark. Air Malta has helped the country to do this, with fortitude and skill. Long may it do so.

April 2008. Barry Napier
barry.napier@ntlworld.com
Hotel and Travel Journalist

Contact:
Gauci Stephen, Air Malta
stephen.a.gauci@airmalta.com