GRTU lobbies for low-cost airlines

The Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprise - GRTU is urging the authorities to strike a deal with low-cost airline Ryanair as this would provide Malta with fresh opportunities of economic growth.

Philip Fenech, president of the GRTU's hospitality and leisure division, said GRTU officials met with officials from the Office of the Prime Minister earlier this week to discuss the progress made in the government's negotiations with Ryanair. The GRTU has already expressed itself in favour of low-cost airlines after Ryanair expressed an interest in operating from Malta.

Ryanair has promised to fly two million passengers to Malta within four years and base six aircraft on the island in return for a long-term low-cost deal which the airline claims would "save" Malta's tourism.