Air Malta will start scheduled services between Malta and Palermo as from 4th July. "These flights will operate in addition to the 13 weekly flights between Malta and Catania/Sicily and reinforces the airline's leading position between Italy and Malta," it said.
"This is more good news for our customers," said Ursula Silling, Air Malta' Chief Commercial Officer. "We are thrilled to launch new flights to/from Palermo's Falcone-Borsellino airport and thus offer 15 weekly flights between Sicily and Malta. With over 2,700 years of history, the Sicilian capital has lot to offer," continued Ms Silling.
The Maltese National Airline will operate two weekly flights to/from Palermo every Monday and Thursday and will retain the route throughout winter.
"Our new flights will offer connectivity between Malta and the western part of Sicily. Palermo is the island's cultural, political and touristic capital and w expect to carry around 20,000 passengers in the first year of operation."
"A part of our constant schedule improvements we have also retimed some of our Catania flights to offer better connectivity with our services to major European cities. These initiatives are expected to facilitate business opportunities between the two islands," added Ms Silling.
Palermo is Sicily's largest city, a historic melting pot of Western and Arabic cultures and the perfect base from which to explore the region. It is renowned for its rich culture, architecture and gastronomy. Being one of the top tourist destinations in Italy, Palermo attracts tourists with its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings.
The flight schedule will operate as follows:
Monday
dep Malta 1315hrs arr Palermo 1415hrs
dep Palermo 1505hrs arr Malta 1555hrs
Thursday
dep Malta 1950hrs arr Palermo 2050hrs
dep Palermo 2140hrs arr Malta 2230hrs
More information is available on www.airmalta.com [1], by calling Air Malta's Call Centre on +356 21662211, from Air Malta sales office at Malta International Airport or from Travel Agents in Malta or Italy.
Photograph: Bird's eye view of Palermo