Qatar Airways to start direct flight to Malta in 2019, cadet pilots to be trained by Air Malta

Qatar Airways will be commencing direct routes to Malta from Qatar in the first quarter of 2019, the Tourism Ministry said on Wednesday.

The airline, which is owned by the Qatari government, flies to over 150 destinations with a fleet of over 200 aircraft.

During an official visit to Qatar, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi also announced a new collaboration between Qatar Airways and Air Malta.

Mizzi met with Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

Qatar Airways and Air Malta have also officially signed an agreement for pilot training, through which Air Malta shall be training 20 Cadet pilots employed with Qatar Airways. Cadets benefitting from this opportunity will be building hours on the Air Malta route network flying Airbus A320s with experienced Maltese training captains. Upon return to Qatar, the cadets will continue their training with the intention of being promoted to First Officers with Qatar Airways.

Mizzi highlighted that the added routes by Qatar Airways will enhance Malta’s connectivity and give easier access to and from Malta and the Middle East. With respect to pilot training, the Minister said that this is in line with the Government’s strategy for the airline, adding that Air Malta is looking for new opportunities and new revenue streams.

The Qatar Airways Group CEO said: “The new direct route between Malta and Qatar, which will commence in 2019, will provide a number of close mutual ties such as this training programme, as well as serving the people of Malta with access to more than 150 global destinations, with one seamless transfer in the Middle East.”

Minister Mizzi was accompanied by Air Malta Chairman Charles Mangion and Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg.