Air Malta and Turkish Airlines have signed an agreement by which Turkish Airlines will codeshare on Air Malta’s twice weekly flights between Malta and Istanbul. The codeshare agreement is expected to pave the way for further cooperation between the two airlines in the near future. This was announced today during a press conference held at Air Malta Head Office given by the airline Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Brock Friesen and Turkish Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial, Mr. Orhan Sivrikaya.

The joint code allows Turkish Airlines to use their own flight numbers on flights operated by Air Malta. Through this agreement both Air Malta and Turkish Airlines passengers can thus avail themselves of a broader choice of connections that will be developed via Istanbul to and from other destinations in Turkey and Turkish Airlines’ network beyond. The introduction of the first codeshared flights will commence this summer.

Speaking at the news conference, Dr Friesen said, “Today is another milestone for Air Malta. This agreement will give both airlines’ passengers full service treatment, seamless travel arrangements and enhanced network connections. We expect that this agreement will lead towards a more comprehensive agreement in the near future where Air Malta will further enhance its network connections beyond Istanbul through Turkish Airlines’ extended route network in Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Far East and Middle East. Future developments are expected to include a re-structured Air Malta schedule on the route and more Air Malta flights to the Turkish cultural and financial capital. Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member, have established themselves as a quality airline in the region and this falls perfectly into Air Malta’s strategic plans to tap into the new emerging Asian, Far East and CIS markets. This codeshare will further assist the development of the already excellent business links between Malta and Turkey.”

Mr Sivrikaya said, “Expanding our relationship with Air Malta through this codeshare agreement is another step in our efforts to develop co-operations with the leading airlines throughout the World. As the flag carrier of the Europe’s eastern border country we are sure that this partnership with the national airline of the country at the central part of Europe and Mediterranean will bring both airlines many additional benefits, as well as increasing opportunities to our passengers through Air Malta’s wide network and numerous destinations especially in Mediterranean region” .

Air Malta is rapidly enhancing its range of code-share partners on specific routes with other quality airlines increasing and improving its destination network. Both Air Malta and Turkish Airlines share the same reputation and commitment towards their customers such as superior service and enhanced levels of customer satisfaction. These attributes makes them ideal partners. It is particularly relevant that this cooperation is established this year – Turkish Airlines’ 75th Anniversary and Air Malta’s 35th.

Both Air Malta and Turkish Airlines are members of IATA - the International Air Transport Association and AEA - the Association of European Airlines.