A short video presentation was launched on board Air Malta’s new Airbus fleet this week. The audio-visual productions were launched to coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) being held in Malta next week.
“Air Malta is pleased to have been appointed official carrier for CHOGM. This event, which will put Malta in the international spotlight, is seen as the ideal stage to test launch our new in-flight entertainment product. In the coming days we will be hosting on board our flights hundreds of people attending the various activities associated with this event,” said Air Malta chief operating officer Joe Cappello.
“We felt that we had this opportunity to give them their ‘first taste’ of Malta and its people and to welcome them to our islands. The material chosen is a showcase of what the islands have to offer in terms of culture, tourism and business opportunities,” he said.
“On another level the introduction of in-flight entertainment is a service commitment to the 1.5 million passengers who choose to travel with us every year. We are committed to provide value-added products for our clients and in-flight entertainment has been earmarked as a service enhancement. Other service improvements are in the pipeline”, said Mr Cappello.
Air Malta said it recognises the positive effects on the islands’ reputation of organising such high profile events, which have significant multiplier effects on other areas of the economy. Air Malta is at the forefront in actively supporting the organisation of CHOGM. Together with the in-flight videos, all Air Malta aircraft have been decorated with the official airline branding on the aircraft fuselage, and for the duration of the CHOGM meetings special in-flight announcements will be greeting participants, delegates and members of the media. The aircraft have also been equipped with specially produced headrest covers. CHOGM 2005 is also being actively promoted through Air Malta’s website.
The airline is currently entering the final stages of the fleet replacement project that was started in January 2004. Eight new Airbus A319 and A320 have already been delivered. Another two brand new A320s will be delivered in January and May 2006. By then, Air Malta will have 10 new aircraft, all with in-flight entertainment capabilities, in its fleet. Two other A320s will be delivered in early 2007.
The fleet replacement project has been accelerated by a year and is now expected to be completed by March 2007. This has been done, said Air Malta, to reap more benefits in terms of fuel efficiency, fleet commonality and enhance the travel experience of its passengers.