Unable to carry out a new recapitalization of Air Malta, the Maltese government decided to refound the national airline with a new name and as part of a smooth transition.
Air Malta: an Italian scenario
Faced with the refusal of the European Commission to grant the green light to new state aid from the Maltese government amounting to €300 million for the benefit of the national airline Air Malta, Prime Minister Robert Abela chose the scenario of a refoundation and a smooth transition. Air Malta will no longer be on March 31, 2024, the date on which it will be succeeded by KM Malta Airlines which will immediately take over the assets of the previous one. A scenario reminiscent of that which took place for Alitalia which became ITA Airways.
Network and fleet maintained
The new airline will continue to serve the 17 routes currently operated by Air Malta using a fleet solely focused on the Airbus A320neo. That is, eight aircraft in a mix of purchases and rental contracts and designed to accommodate a total of 168 passengers divided into two classes: Premium Economy and Economy. The Premium will have up to 36 seats. The Maltese government specifies that the “business plan” was designed by recognized experts in the air transport sector.
Passengers reimbursed
Air Malta will cease operations on March 30, 2024 but will continue to operate all flights until March 30, 2024. For the immediate future, tickets can still be purchased and the airline will honor them until March 30, 2024. However, flights from March 31, 2024 and beyond will be operated by KM Malta Airlines. Tickets that have already been purchased for flights scheduled for March 31, 2024 and beyond will be refunded. Reimbursements guaranteed by the government of Malta, shareholder of the airline.
