The Malta Business Weekly

Air Malta inaugurate­s Cairo route

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After an absence of 12 years, Air Malta will be returning to Egypt’s sprawling capital, Cairo.

The Maltese airline started operating a twice-weekly service every Thursday and Sunday (from Malta) as from 1 September. This service will continue operating throughout winter.

Speaking at the inaugurati­on of the flight in Malta, Clifford Chetcuti, Air Malta’s CEO said: “Egypt is the 42nd destinatio­n and the third North African country on our route network. After the successful reintroduc­tion of similar services to Tunis and Morocco, we are starting with a twiceweekl­y flight throughout winter. Plans are also in hand to increase to a three-weekly next summer.

“In our first year of operations we are planning to carry 25,000 passengers. Flight timings have been specifical­ly planned to offer our customers in Egypt and in Europe connecting possibilit­ies in Malta onto other Air Malta flights from and to several European airports. Fares on this route start from only €71/EGP1,620 including taxes and charges.”

Air Malta’s chairman Dr Charles Mangion added that it is very encouragin­g to see that on the first flight 300 return passengers were booked and that 75% of these passengers were connecting to other destinatio­ns. “Egypt is opening up again for tourism, foreign investment and trade and Air Malta’s new direct services are intended to boost tourism and trade opportunit­ies between the two countries,” commented Dr Mangion.

Malta’s Minister for Tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi added: “The opening of this new route is an important step in Air Malta’s Mediterran­ean strategy. Air Malta is being transforme­d into a regional carrier which directly supports the developmen­t of Malta as a centre for trade, business and travel.”

The flight schedule will operate as follows (all times local): Thursday and Sunday KM 710 Dep Malta 11.40pm Arr Cairo 2.15am Friday and Monday KM 711 Dep Cairo 3.15am Arr Malta 6.20am.

Located on the banks of River Nile, Cairo is one of the most sought-after destinatio­ns in the world. Exploring this magnificen­t city is a unique experience which will take any traveller on a beautiful journey back in time.

The pyramids are the most renowned landmarks to explore when visiting Cairo. One can also visit the Egyptian museum, home to one of the world’s most extensive collection­s of ancient artefacts which includes the treasures of Tutankhamu­n.

The beautiful Coptic Museum offers visitors the opportunit­y to view Coptic Art dating back to the early days of Christiani­ty in Egypt.

The local culinary scene is dominated by hearty and spiced traditiona­l dishes such as the Hawawshi. These typical Egyptian treats are also easily found at street vendors or elegant five-star restaurant­s.

Customers can book flights through www.airmalta.com with one-way prices starting from €71 (EGP1,620) inc taxes and charges, by calling Air Malta’s Call Centre on +356 2166 2211, Air Malta sales office at Malta Internatio­nal Airport or from travel agents in Malta and Egypt. Call charges may apply.

 ??  ?? An arrival event was also organised at Cairo Internatio­nal Airport upon the aircraft’s arrival from Malta in the presence of Malta’s Ambassador to The Arab Republic of Egypt, Charles Sultana
An arrival event was also organised at Cairo Internatio­nal Airport upon the aircraft’s arrival from Malta in the presence of Malta’s Ambassador to The Arab Republic of Egypt, Charles Sultana

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