New to the European skies is KM Malta Airlines, the latest entrant in the highly competitive travel market in the busy Mediterranean region. Linking Malta International Airport with key cities across the European continent, KM Malta is off to a good start in its operations, taking over from Air Malta as the national carrier of the Republic Of Malta. Given the sheer volume of passengers at the most significant European airports, it is refreshing to be welcomed and later leave from a smaller facility where it does not take a kilometre’s walk to reach the departure gate. Airports Council International included Malta International Airport on its list of the best European airports for service quality in its size category.
KM Malta Airlines A320neo Business Class seats.
Checking in for KM491 at Zurich’s exemplary airport was relaxed yet professional, with the staff behind the counter happy to positively start the KM Malta experience. KM Malta’s Business Class passengers benefit from fast-track security to streamline the departure experience at ZRH. Except for London, all of KM Malta’s continental gateways are within the Schengen area, meaning there are no Immigration procedures required when arriving or departing Malta itself—another plus in favour of a stress-free time in the European Union’s smallest member.
On board KM Malta’s A320neo aircraft, the first feature I noticed is the bright red leather upholstery, incredibly comfortable in Business Class where, in keeping with the general policy on intra-European flights, the middle seats are kept empty in the aircraft’s 3-3 configuration. One of the most impressive aspects of a KM Malta flight is the catering for Business Class passengers. Not only is the food of high quality, but the presentation is among the nicest of any airline. The burst of colour from the ceramic tile charger under the main course plate is reiterated in the food, making for a visually appealing meal on the short flight from Switzerland to Malta. The flight departed and arrived on time, and the baggage was delivered without delay.
KM Malta Business Class meal.
To anyone who has already visited Malta, it is no surprise that catering on board KM Malta Airlines is outstanding. Maltese cuisine is exceptionally enticing, with the robust flavours of local specialties complemented by an increasingly sophisticated culinary scene that includes innovative twists on traditional dishes and the embrace of cuisines from other parts of Europe and the world beyond.
Although Malta is well known worldwide, it is surprising that few people visit this charming country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. While Spain, Italy, and Greece strain with overtourism, Malta revels in its open spaces. Valletta, Malta’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts many tourists, but the rest of the country is far less frantic. With the assistance of a professional tour company such as the outstanding Q Travel Malta, personalised tours led by expert guides are easily arranged to make the most of one’s time in Malta. The Malta Tourism Authority provides a wealth of information about the country’s attractions on its informative website and supports many of Malta’s most important cultural events.
Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur
