Turkish Airlines Flight TK1369 landed at Malta Airport at 2.20pm this afternoon and was greeted by the traditional water arch by the Malta Airport Fire & Rescue Team. The aircraft, an Airbus A320 with 144 passengers on board, was welcomed by dancers and musicians – courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority – in traditional costume, who presented a flower to each passenger before they proceeded to the arrivals lounge.
A high-level delegation of Turkish Airlines officials, led by Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing Sezgin Saglam, was also greeted on the apron by Malta’s Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella, the Turkish Ambassador to Malta, Mrs Refika Nihal Çevik, Malta Tourism CEO Josef Formosa Gauci and Malta Airport CEO Markus Klaushofer. They then took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony next to the aircraft’s steps.
They then proceeded to the Ministerial Lounge where they addressed the media, followed by the cutting of a celebration cake prepared by Malta Airport, to mark the occasion.
Mr Klaushofer welcomed this significant event, kicking off a very important operation by one of the leading airlines worldwide. He added that it was not an easy task for the Maltese airport, but thanks to the disposition of Turkish Airlines’ executives and the teamwork with the government and the Malta Tourism Authority, today we are witnessing a crucial development in the Airport’s network.
“Turkish Airlines is the fifth new airline commencing operations to and from Malta this Summer, making our Airport a top achiever in Europe as to the addition of new airlines. Turkish Airlines is also the latest new player in the legacy portion of our business mix – highlighting the need of achieving sustainable growth in all three areas and obtain a much-needed balance between legacy, low-cost and charter. We are also pleased to be here today, adding yet another piece to the puzzle enabling further connections to and from the Maltese Islands,” he concluded.