The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) welcomed the news that Ryanair will be reinforcing its already strong presence in Malta by the setting up of  a new company “Malta Air”, which will result in an increase of fleet based in Malta, increase of aircraft on the Malta register, servicing of aircraft in Malta thus growing further our aviation industry, and staff relocated and resident in Malta.

MHRA has over the years consistently asserted that connectivity is key for the tourism sector in Malta and therefore this is certainly moving Malta in the right direction, the MHRA said.

MHRA welcomed the Prime Minister’s assertion that this initiative will not clash with the operations of Malta's national airline Air Malta but rather will sustain Malta’s strategy in becoming a leading protagonist in Mediterranean tourism and aviation sector.

MHRA President Tony Zahra said “Malta Air adds connectivity to our island, and this is extremely important.” He adds that “Air Malta remains pivotal for our islands and It’s important that it continues to be competitive and the main airline of the Maltese islands.”