The brand new 180-seater Airbus A320neo joined the Air Malta's fleet at the end of last week.

The new aircraft has aptly been registered on the Maltese aircraft register as 9H-Neo.

Air Malta is the 21st airline worldwide to be flying this new generation A320 with CFM engines. Straight out of the production line, the new A320neo is currently in Shannon, Ireland, where it has been repainted with the airline's intricate yet stunning livery.

The painting process required strong expertise and experience in order to have the multi-layered designs applied to the fuselage. In fact a skilled team of paint specialists and technicians using stencils, masks, different grades and layers of paint carried out the work.

Apart from the airline's colourful livery the aircraft has also been branded with cartoon characters to promote a Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt that will take place on the islands between 13 and 18 April 2019.

The partnership with media giant Viacom will see a week of Nickelodeon activities across the island, including a character parade, as well as a child-friendly treasure hunt and workshops.

Air Malta's chairman Dr Charles Mangion said: "Thanks to its new state-of-the-art aerodynamics and new generation engines the Neo offers unbeatable efficiency and environmental performance. On a Malta-London Heathrow flight, the airline will save up to 1.3 tons of fuel per trip, 6,200 tons of CO2 per year and a 24% reduction of CO2 emission per seat. Designed with the latest cabin features offering more cabin space and comfort, the aircraft also produces a 50% less noise footprint than the A320ceo. The new aircraft will offer Air Malta guests added comfort and an enhanced customer experience. It is no wonder that the A320 is the bestselling single-generation aircraft."

The Minister of Tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi added: "The arrival of the Neo marks and important step in the airline's history and development. Apart from enhanced fuel and environmental performance the aircraft fits perfectly with the airline's current fleet of A320ceos delivering seamless operation integration and also costs savings in terms of training of engineers and pilots. This type of aircraft will pave the way for a more modern Air Malta aircraft fleet and assist the airline to become the Airline of the Mediterranean."

The aircraft cabin interior offers 18-inch wide seats where passengers can enjoy more personal space in terms of comfort and leg room. The aircraft is also equipped with HD inflight entertainment screens.