• Transaero Airlines, one of the largest Russian airlines, inaugurated its first flight from Moscow to Malta today.
• Passengers were welcomed by Ambassador to Russia in Malta, MTA CEO and MIA CEO.
• Transaero is the third new airline launching direct flights to and from Malta this year.

Transaero Airlines’ first flight to Malta arrived from Moscow today and passengers were welcomed by His Excellency Ambassador to Russia in Malta Mr. Vladimir Malygin, MTA CEO Paul Bugeja and Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg.

The aircraft was greeted with a water arch from the airport’s Fire and Rescue team and tourists on board were handed flowers before joining in on the cake-cutting ceremony.

“We are very happy to welcome Transaero to our family of airlines operating to and from our airport. Transaero is the second new airline launched this year, and falls part of our strategy to increase connectivity to our island. The Russian airline will definitely help enhance our presence in the Russian market,” said MIA CEO Alan Borg.

Transaero CEO Olga Pleshakova said: “I am sincerely glad to welcome all the passengers arriving on board our first Moscow-Malta flight. I hope that this route will contribute to increase tourist exchange between the two countries.”

Based in Moscow, the Russian airline is one of the largest in the country, operating an extensive domestic network as well as internationally across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East. Transaero Airlines has the largest fleet of long-haul wide-body aircraft in Russia.

“Air connectivity is vital in increasing our flow between source markets and the destination. Having more than one carrier on the same route generally increases our marketing reach and consequently broadens Malta’s appeal. Transaero is a highly recognised brand in Russia and we look forward to working together in improving the business for the benefit of our countries,” said MTA CEO Paul Bugeja.

Tourism Minister Dr Edward Zammit Lewis said: “We are constantly achieving outstanding results in tourism and our ambitious forecast for this year is for further growth. Our objective is to stimulate further air route expansions to broaden our network. Transaero’s launch in Malta will definitely be a critical contribution to this success.”

Transaero Airlines first landed in Malta on April 26th and is scheduled to fly weekly every Sunday this season. It is the second airline marking its inaugural flight so far this year.

Marketing & Brand Development

27 April 2015