Have they never heard of Universal Air?  Most people have not, but those who know it love it.  A tiny enterprise in a world of gargantuan airlines, Malta-based Universal Air this year took on the challenge of flights offered by the dozens of European airlines big and small to establish itself as a niche operation that is doing very well indeed. Maintaining a Dash 8-400 aircraft fleet, Universal Air sets itself apart from other airlines with its inflight experience.

Many passengers found flying on a Dash 8 aircraft a novelty; many stopped on the tarmac to take pictures of the plane before entering via the short flight of stairs. Though the advent of small, regional jets may have displaced Dash in many markets, the high-wing turboprop planes with 78 seats have been reliable workhorses for their owners and continue to be useful on thin routes between city pairs with less flight service than big airports.

Universal Air’s high-wing aircraft make looking out the window a pleasure on its short flights between Munich, Palermo, and Pécs, a city in Hungary that serves as the Maltese airline’s secondary hub.  Flying at a lower altitude also affords better views of the terrain below while minimising environmental impact compared to aircraft powered by jet engines.   On this route from Nice, the dramatic landscapes of Corsica were soon visible below, followed by Elba and other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago before crossing Sicily and arriving at Malta’s Luqa International Airport.

Universal Air’s Flight VO242 from Nice to Malta departs from Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur’s Terminal 2, a short (and free) tram ride from the more significant Terminal 1.  Terminal 2 is less congested than Terminal 1, alleviating some of the pre-departure stress often accompanying airport trips.

No one was waiting to check in at Universal Air’s counter, and the friendly agent took care of business quickly and efficiently. One of the joys of small aircraft is having not many other people checking in, boarding, disembarking, or checking bags; this makes the entire flight experience quicker and less stressful. In the air, the 2-2 configuration means no middle seats.

As with the departure, arrival was also simplified by the fewer passengers, allowing for quick exit from the aircraft.  Since this was a flight within the Schengen area, there were no formalities to undertake on arrival and departing the airport was easy and fast.

 

 

 

Written by Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

 

 

 

 

 

=====================================