Air Malta plc took a trip down memory lane on Friday, sharing an image an aircraft that was repainted with its original 1970s livery.

“Flashback Friday, back in the days when our retro was still around,” the airline wrote on social media.

The freshly repainted aircraft was shown off over eight years ago as a means to kick off the airline’s 40th anniversary celebrations, during which it flew over the Grand Harbour, Sliema, Malta’s northern coastline, Mosta, Qrendi, and also Birzebbugia.

The aircraft 9H-AEI operated flight KM 40, and arrived in Malta after being repainted in Ostrava, Czech Republic, after previously being used in Mexico on a long-term lease to Mexican low-cost carrier Interjet, which has since ceased operations.

A number of ambassadors of the countries where Air Malta started flights in 1974 and the cabin crew of the first two inaugural flights were present for the inauguration, along with various personalities who helped the airline in its early years.

Air Malta’s first flight was held on 1st April 1974, when a Boeing 720B flew from Luqa to London Heathrow.

Online commenters labelled this livery as "beautiful" and "the best", with many questioning why it was removed.

“My favourite. We were so proud of our national airline,” one user wrote on social media.