At 2 pm today, the first Malta Air B737-8200 Gamechanger arrived at Malta International Airport - an aircraft which was made possible with an investment of €100 million.

Malta Air's fleet consists of six aircraft, a number that is expected to increase in the future, a government statement read.

In his speech, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg reminded that the Maltese Government, together with Transport Malta and Ryan Air, two years ago had presented what the aircraft will look like.

"Today, two years later, this will be seen flying across Europe. It is very gratifying to see that the Ryan Air group selected the Maltese Aviation 9H register in order to further expand its fleet. Another certificate of how serious and respected the Maltese aviation register is by the giants of this industry," the Minister remarked.

Borg said that this aircraft that arrived in Malta is carrying 4% more passengers for this airline, and since it is equipped with the latest technology and efficiency, it will be reducing emissions in the air by 16% and noise emissions by 40%.

For his part, the Chief Executive of Malta Air, David O'Brien said that Malta Air is honoured to be flying the Maltese flag and thanked the Directorate of Civil Aviation within Transport Malta for its commitment and dedication to making this airline part of the 9H register. He said that he looks forward to Malta Air continuing to expand its fleet in the future and even adding to the 57 direct routes that the Ryan Air group has with Malta.