Maltese tourists now have a wider range of foreign destinations to choose from, thanks to a code sharing agreement signed by Air Malta and Air France. The code sharing between the two national airlines was launched a few weeks ago, and more than 1,100 passengers have purchased flight tickets, mostly to North America.

The agreement sees Air France placing its code and flight numbers on flights operated by Air Malta between Malta and Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Lyon airports. Air Malta travellers will now benefit from 18 weekly services between these three airports and Malta.

The flights to and from the Paris airports will connect travellers to Air France’s domestic and extensive global networks, making it easier for those who wish to venture off to more exotic locations to do so without the hassle of sorting out connecting flights separately.

Both airlines’ customers will benefit from new services, including check-in for passengers with connections. Moreover, Air France passengers will be able to earn Miles with the Flying Blue loyalty programme.

Speaking at the inauguration of the code sharing agreement, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer, Phil Saunders said that the collaboration with Air France brings together two strong brands to create added value to passengers. “Through this combining of our flight offerings, customers will be able to access many European and intercontinental destinations operated from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly hubs.  We will offer the world through Paris.”

Ms Benedicte Duval, General Manager Air France-KLM Italy and Malta said that this agreement significantly strengthens Air Malta’s flight offering to and from Malta. “Air France is expanding its network in a region with high tourism potential and offers its customers new travel opportunities allowing them to connect to almost 200 destinations worldwide.”

Ms Duval said that more than 1,100 bookings had come in the past few weeks, with more than 60% being flights to Canada.