VALETTA, MALTA — Air Malta welcomed its fifth Airbus A320neo to its fleet on March 24, 2023, with the new aircraft replacing the A320ceo 9H-AEQ. The delivery flight from Airbus's Toulouse plant to Malta International Airport utilized a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and was piloted by Capt. Patrick Calleja and First Officer Mark Attard.


This flight marked the end of Capt. Calleja's 31-year career with Air Malta.

The 9H-NEE features a modern livery, designed in collaboration with Airbus, that incorporates characteristics of the Maltese flag, making it immediately recognizable. This addition marks another step in Air Malta's ongoing fleet renewal project. The airline currently operates seven Airbus aircraft: four A320neos and three A320ceos. Air Malta began transitioning its fleet to the more environmentally friendly A320neos in 2018 and aims to operate a single-type fleet of A320neos, which will significantly reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and noise footprint.

Equipped with CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the new A320neo accommodates 180 passengers in a two-cabin configuration. It boasts 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions and reduced maintenance costs compared to previous-generation Airbus aircraft.

Air Malta's new A320neo comes with the Blueview in-flight entertainment system offering passengers access to videos, audio, moving maps, games, and more.