Belgium’s largest airline, Brussels Airlines, was saluted by a water arch upon making its first landing at the Malta International Airport this afternoon. Passengers on board were later greeted by a group of dancers clad in traditional Maltese costumes, who handed out flowers as a welcoming gesture.

On board the first flight was Malta’s Ambassador in Brussels, H.E. Mr Ray Azzopardi and Brussels Airlines Vice President for Media Relations Mr. Geert Sciot.

Based in Brussels Airport, the airline has chosen Malta as part of its summer expansion across European destinations and will be flying directly to and from Malta International Airport twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays.

“Coupled with the code sharing agreement Brussels Airlines has with our national carrier Air Malta, the addition of these flights further enhance our current offer to the Belgian market and beyond,” said Markus Klaushofer, CEO at the Malta International Airport.

“Whilst keeping in mind the amount of expats living and working in Brussels, who wish to hop back home for the weekend, the flights also provide further accessibility for visitors to our island,” continued Mr. Klaushofer.

With flights to some sixty European destinations, as well as long-haul flights to nineteen African destinations, New York and Washington DC in the US, Brussels Airlines offers an excellent network to connecting destinations.

“Brussels Airlines has recently expanded its network to around ten new destinations, proving that we’re not solely aimed at business travelers, but also for holidaymakers. In fact, we’re really excited about flying to Malta and we look forward to a busy summer,” said Mr Geert Sciot, the Vice President for Media Relations of Brussels Airlines.

Brussels Airlines became a member of the Star Alliance in December 2009 and is also a fully integrated member of Lufthansa’s frequent flyer programme, Miles & More.

Brussels Airlines has, since the past four years, registered an increase in passengers which stood at 5.88 million until last year.

Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority were also present in welcoming the airline to Malta.

Permalink: Brussels Airlines inaugural flight receives a water salute at MIA