Air Malta agrees to ‘comprehensive’ codeshare agreement with ITA Airways

Air Malta has announced its reaching of a codeshare agreement with Italy's fledgling national airline, ITA Airways.

The new partnership is expected to boost business travel and tourism between Italy and Malta and will offer customers "more options and better flight schedules" when travelling through the two airlines' hubs in Rome and Malta.

The agreement is especially notable due to the importance of connectivity with Italy to Malta's tourism and business sectors.

In terms of tourism, the country is Malta's second most important market, contributing the second highest number of travellers from any country.

Indeed, this was recognised by Roy Kinnear, Air Malta's chief commercial officer, who commented: "We are excited with this new code-share agreement that connects us to a wide selection of airports in Italy and beyond.

"Italy is one of Air Malta's most important markets and this agreement will enhance our reach in the Italian market."

The partnership applies to flights departing from 31st October, and will allow customers to fly "seamlessly" to their desired destinations with a single "unique" ticket.

ITA Airways will apply its ‘AZ’ code on all services operated by Air Malta between Italy and Malta.

Similarly, Air Malta will codeshare AZ flights between Malta and Rome, connecting Italian domestic services beyond Rome Fiumicino Airport and Milan Linate and selected connecting international services.