Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Plumes of water shot through the air, forming an arch, to salute the first Turkish Airlines aircraft to land on Maltese soil.

The airline, which has been ranked the best in Europe, launched its operations to and from Malta when flight TK1369 landed yesterday. It will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The aircraft, an Airbus A320 with 144 passengers on board, was welcomed by seven girls and musicians from the Malta Tourism Authority in traditional Maltese garb, who presented a flower to each passenger before proceeding to the arrivals lounge.

Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella said it was a special occasion both for Malta and Turkish Airlines, as Malta was the airline’s 100th country. The airline flies to 226 destinations and provides easy access to Asia, especially within the Middle East and the Far East regions.

He added that Turkey was one of the most important markets, with 12 million outbound Turks. Along with Air Malta, which also provides flights to Turkey, Turkish Airlines will help facilitate access.

Malta and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1967. In 2009, a Turkish Embassy was opened in Malta and a Maltese consul was opened in Turkey.

Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Malta with Turkish Airlines starting from €99 (including taxes and fees).

Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 218 aircraft and employs 16,000 staff worldwide. It was also one of the first airlines to provide a chef in service on board.