Mark Said, a known Colonel in the local aviation industry, has published a book dedicated to Malta’s fallen national airline, Air Malta, which has now been replaced by KM Malta Airlines.

His fourth book, this latest publication explores the 50 year history of the airline from its inception, in 1973, to today. It places a special emphasis on people who were influential in the airline’s history.

On Thursday, an Air Malta tribute page shared an image of Norman D’Amato recieving a copy of the book. The image showcases a two-page spread dedicated to the works of Captain D’Amato, including a picture with His Holiness Pope John Paul II, who flew to Malta on 27th May 1990.

In an act of generosity, all proceeds made from the sale of the book will go to the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation and it can be bought within the museum in Attard.  

The Malta Aviation Museum Foundation is an NGO, set up on 1st November 1994, with the aim of displaying unique exhibits in relation to Malta’s rich aviation history. Since then, it managed to acquire, restore and preserve a number of aircraft, artefacts as well as documentation of cultural, historical and educational value.

Air Malta ceased operations on 30th March 2024, last week, after 50 years of service.

Who is the author?

In a past interview published on Transport Malta’s Facebook page, Colonel Said shared that he served in the Armed Forces of Malta for well over 30 years as a Search and Rescue Pilot. In his most recent venture, he worked as a flight Inspector at the Civil Aviation Directorate within Transport Malta

He is the author of three more books, also based on aviation; Broken Wings – A Century of Malta’s aviation accidents, incidents and other stories, Aussie Shield 78th Fighter Wing Royal Australian Air Force Malta History, The Air Arm of the Armed Forces of Malta – 1972 -2022; A 50 Year of Pictorial History and also the Air Malta book.