Does Air Malta play up its importance to the economy?
If anything we understate its importance. Malta depends on air transport for its communication to the outside world and not just for tourism-related purposes. Malta also depends on air links to transport cargo. As a matter of policy to cut down on costs and render their operations more efficient, low cost airlines do not carry cargo. Air Malta carries substantial amounts of cargo like other full service airlines. Cargo transport is particularly important for pharmaceutical companies and the microchip industry, as well as other businesses that depend on imports and exports by air. But Air Malta also has a social commitment to the country. We are the only airline that carries medical cases because no other airline in Europe is equipped for stretcher cases or child incubators. This is part of the social service we offer. Air Malta offers this service at a good discount and the costs are never recouped, but we will continue to carry these cases because it is important for Malta to be able
