Air Malta (Luqa) has painted its Airbus A320-214 9H-AEI (msn 2189) (above) in the original 1974 livery to celebrate its 40th Anniversary. The airliner was unveiled today with a special flight over the island of Malta:
The airline issued this statement:
Air Malta will this afternoon (April 16) surprise the islands with a freshly-painted aircraft to kick-start its 40th anniversary celebrations.
Air Malta registered aircraft 9H-AEI will be operating flight KM 40, appropriately selected for the occasion, and will be arriving in Malta after being repainted in Ostrava (Czech Republic). The aircraft was on a long-term lease to Interjet in Mexico.
The aircraft will be performing two low flypasts on runway 31 and overfly the island before landing, at around 6 pm.
It will fly over the Grand Harbour, Sliema, the northern coastline of Malta, Mosta, Qrendi and Birzebbugia.
The aircraft will be welcomed at Malta International Airport this evening during an event being hosted by Air Malta.
The first flight, from Malta to London Heathrow, took off on April 1, 1974 (see below). According to the airline, “the passengers onboard the Boeing 720B aircraft were mostly journalists and travel agents flying to meet their British counterparts for a six-hour reception in London. “
Top Copyright Photo: Malcolm Bezzina. Airbus A320-214 9H-AEI soars beautifully over Malta today in its retro look. All other photos by Air Malta.
Air Malta Slide Show (aircraft over the years):
Video:
Filed under: Air Malta Tagged: 40th anniversary, Air Malta, island of Malta, Malta, Malta International Airport