Air Malta, in partnership with FTI, will start scheduled services to the German cities of Hamburg and Leipzig as from 31 October with a weekly schedule flight every Wednesday.

Paul Sies, chief Commercial officer stated: "The German market is one of our most important markets and strategically we want to grow tourism from Germany. These two new routes are a great addition to our network this winter for tourism but also to increase connectivity between Malta and Germany. With the support of FTI, one of the leading players in the tour operating sectors in Europe, it was possible to introduce both Hamburg and Leipzig as scheduled services. Over the years we have operated a number of charter flights to both German cities and we believe that with the support of FTI, through seat commitments, we can transform this route to an all-year-round scheduled operation and over time increase frequency. Such cooperation allows Air Malta to react positively to market opportunities."

Beppe Bugeja of FTI said: "The 35-year-long standing cooperation between both companies has always contributed to significant growth from the German-speaking market to the Maltese Islands. Bringing the Hamburg and Leipzig routes back to life is the result of strong partnership."

Air Malta chairman Dr Charles Mangion added: "Hamburg and Leipzig join the growing number of new destinations launched by Air Malta in recent months. I am happy to note that formal discussions to commence these services started in November last year at the World Travel Market in London and we are now in a position to start these services as from winter this year. This good news shows that as an airline we can easily adapt to changing market circumstances and partner with leading industry players to introduce more routes on our network. This new addition will give us the chance to tap into new markets and increase traffic between Malta and Germany. After Frankfurt, which we re-introduced last year, we will be operating to a total of five airports in Germany."

Minister for tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi added: "The addition of these two new routes signifies a strong commitment by Air Malta to continue supporting the local tourism industry and increase the spread of markets it operates to. In less than a year the airline has launched 17 new direct services and launched three intra-European flights not connected with Malta. These services will attract new opportunities and facilitate travel for the leisure and business communities and continuing growing the connectivity to the Maltese Islands."

The flight schedule to Hamburg airport will operate as follows: Wednesday KM368 dep Malta 7am arr Hamburg 10.05am KM369 dep Hamburg 10.55am arr Malta 1.55pm. The flight schedule to Leipzig airport will operate as follows: Wednesday KM310 dep Malta 5.55pm arr Leipzig 8.45pm KM311 dep Leipzig 9.25pm arr Malta 00.55am.

Hamburg is Germany's second largest city and a leading maritime hub while Leipzig is a splendid city full of attractions, historic buildings and wonderful sites.

Customers can book flights through www.airmalta.com, by calling Air Malta's Call Centre on +356 2166 2211 in Malta or from Air Malta sales office at Malta International Airport or from travel agents in Malta and Germany and don't forget through FTI as a package holiday.