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Air Malta rebuts Ryanair on fuel surcharge
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 4, 2008 - 7:23:13 PM
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In a statement published on Friday, Air Malta replied to comments made to the press by Ryanair’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Michael Cawley, whereby it was reported that he criticised Air Malta for raising its fuel surcharge.
Air Malta said that its increase in the surcharge will hardly cover 15% of the increase in annual fuel costs expected for this year. The airline has made it clear that it is committed to meet the gap through further cost reductions and efficiencies.
Commenting on this press conference Air Malta Chairman Lawrence Zammit said, “Over a 5 year period the prices of Aviation Fuel have shot up by over 400% from $30 to $165 per barrel. However it is not Air Malta’s policy to go around knocking on the doors of airport authorities cap-in-hand threatening to pull out flight services if the airport does not give the airline any subsidies, or increase their subsidies to make up for the price of fuel”.
Mr Zammit added, “Our average flight prices are way below the figure quoted by the Irish airline. I will be kind, however, and assume that the statement made by Mr Cawley is more a sick joke rather than anything else. Over these last years we have worked very hard with the support of all our stakeholders to reduce our costs and offer our clients a low-fare high-quality service. Our strategy is to offer the best consistent services, frequencies and connections to and from Malta. Air Malta has proved time and again that it is airline really committed to the Maltese market and its tourism industry by bringing over to Malta millions of tourists from a host of destinations. Other airlines have come and gone. More will do the same. Air Malta will remain committed to the Maltese community and its tourism industry for the years to come.”
Air Malta said its commitment to the Maltese society includes continual support to persons needing to go abroad for medical treatment and their families, support to organisers of cultural events, support to Maltese artists, support to the environment and support to Maltese sports organisations amongst others. It is this social commitment to the Maltese community that distinguishes Air Malta from other airlines operating to Malta. Thirty five years on that social commitment is as strong as ever, the statement concluded.
© Copyright 2008 by MaltaMedia.com
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Latest update:
Jul 6, 2008 - 9:53:09 AM CET
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