Air Malta’s new aircraft livery launched at air show

To the delight of hundreds of spectators, Air Malta's new aircraft livery was launched this afternoon as part of this year's Malta International Airshow.

The aircraft, operating flight KM070 and sporting the eight-pointed cross on the tail of the aircraft against a background of fresh, bold colours, displayed the words "the airline of the Maltese Islands".

Peter Davies, the airline's chief executive officer, said: "Air Malta represents the values of Malta and the airline's brand is based on the history, heritage and colours of the islands.

"With our brand identity, we will be ideally positioned to become the ambassador and guide of choice to the very best Malta can offer."

The new livery also marks another milestone in the airline's cultural revolution, both internally and externally, and will support the airline's new vision of 'Flying the Pride of Malta'.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, meanwhile said that it was a great honour to welcome the first aircraft with Air Malta's new livery.

"Indeed, this is a tangible and visible way through which Air Malta today is undergoing a transformation - from a legacy carrier to a lively, commercially driven entrepreneurial competitive business.

"Government has injected around 130 million euros in share capital to reflect its commitment towards not only safeguarding the 800 jobs held at the company, but also investing in the company's future," Fenech said.

Fenech noted that Air Malta was meeting its budget targets as part of the EU approved restructuring plan.

He also said that the first five months of the financial year had been encouraging for KM with the airline carrying 780,000 passengers.

"Clearly, the airline is reaching its tasks in terms of its financial and operational objectives.

"The key message of the airline was not the airline itself but Malta and the rebranding exercise will help Air Malta achieve its objectives," Fenech said.

After its flypast, the aircraft joined the static display.

On a separate note, according to the Red Arrows official website, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team would not be giving a display as planned since the team encountered technical difficulties on their way to Malta and diverted to a military base in Sardegna.

"We regret that the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, must announce that they will be unable to travel to Malta to display as part of the Malta International Airshow. We hope the airshow remains a huge success, and that all those planning to attend enjoy the event.

"Following our departure from Menorca yesterday, we experienced a minor technical problem. This forced us to divert to Italy until the aircraft is repaired. We will return to the UK on Monday. We are deeply disappointed at not being able to take part in the show, however safety is always paramount," Squadron Leader Jim Turner, Red 1, stated in the website.

Six countries are participating in this year's air show which ends tomorrow, namely Malta, the UK and US, Italy, Germany, and Qatar for the first time, and last but not least Nato.

Aerial displays included the RAF Hawk, RAF Tucano, RAF King Air, the AFM Alouette III Helicopter, the Italian Military Mission in Malta with their AB-212 SAR. Among the participants are civilian aircraft Extra 200 from Diamond Aviation and a Learjet 60 from Eurojet, are participating.

The AFM's King Air, which was on static display, had to abandon the show to attend to patrol duty.