We refer to the letter from Joe Cristina of Mosta, entitled “Mail to Paris”, (TMID, 5 February).

By way of information, all foreign mail is despatched to destination on the next working day after collection, irrespective of whether or not there are direct flights to the destination in question.

In this particular instance, Mr Cristina's Registered Express letter, posted by him on 25 January, was forwarded to destination via Despatch No. 20, (List 1, Line 5) on 26 January. This was despatched via Frankfurt on flights LH4107 and LH4234.

As explained to your correspondent by our Customer Care staff, the Express part of the service starts when the item reaches the country of destination. It should also be pointed out that an item which is registered requires a signature at point of delivery, and this in turn requires addressee or his/her representative to be available when delivery is attempted. Failing which, the registered item is not delivered and further attempts at delivery will be made accordingly.

Maltapost would like to remind the public that it depends on other postal administrations for delivery of foreign mail.

In the circumstances, however, Maltapost regrets any inconvenience to Mr Cristina.

Marlene Debattista

Communications Co-ordinator

Maltapost plc