Supporting calls to conduct COVID-19 tests before a flight departs, Air Malta has launched a Lifeline schedule for winter as the number of passengers continue to drop.

“We are seeing a daily reduction in passenger traffic and are constantly making changes to our network to have the right balance between demand and capacity.

“We critically need structured testing on departure of every single passenger using new and rapid test methodologies. Only by implementing such systems can we restore confidence and get people to travel again. This is vital for island states such as Malta that depend so much on tourism”, its Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Sies, said.

Besides the peace of mind of being tested, such assessments will restore a sense of security to travel, he explained, recalling that during the first months of the pandemic, Air Malta had guaranteed the travelling public connectivity with its Lifeline schedule. It has designed another Lifeline flight schedule for winter, guaranteeing flight connectivity for those needing and willing to travel and also to ensure the flow of cargo and medical supplies.

Airline Chairman Charles Mangion noted that the industry is in “desperate need” of a solution to bring back trust in travel, pointing out that key to restore the freedom of mobility across borders is through the systematic testing for COVID-19 of all travellers before flight departure.

“Testing upon departure will give governments the confidence to open their borders without having to continuously run risk models and frequently change the rules imposed on travel.

“Testing all passengers will restore confidence, instil peace of mind and help restart the various businesses and jobs associated with travel and tourism and help boost the economy”, Dr Mangion insisted.

The pre-flight tests being proposed will be an alternative to quarantine measures.

Air Malta said international travel is 92 per cent down on 2019 levels. According to the International Air Transport Association, which embraces the world’s airlines, 65.5 million jobs depend on the aviation industry. It noted that lost revenues are expected to exceed $400 billion and, in line with forecasts made under a more optimistic rebound scenario than has actually unfolded, the industry was expected to post a record net loss exceeding $80 billion this year.

Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister, Chris Fearne, affirmed that the island received shipments of COVID-19 rapid testing kits earlier this week. 

The tests, which give results in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, will be used together with existing testing procedures. Until now, swab test results can take hours to come out, with many of those tested learning whether they have tested positive for the virus the day after taking the test.