Brussels Airlines, Belgium's largest airline, opened its flights to Malta with its flight SN3411 landed at the Malta International Airport (MIA) on Friday afternoon.
The A319 craft was saluted by a water arch upon making its first landing. Passengers on board were later greeted by a group of dancers clad in traditional Maltese costumes, who handed out flowers as a welcoming gesture.
Based in Brussels Airport, the airline has chosen Malta as part of its summer expansion across European destinations and will be flying directly to and from MIA twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays.
Brussels Airlines Vice President for Media Relations Geert Sciot, who was on board the first flight, introduced that Brussels Airlines has recently expanded its network to around 10 new destinations.
"We're not solely aimed at business travelers, but also for holidaymakers. In fact, we're really excited about flying to Malta and we look forward to a busy summer," he said.
Markus Klaushofer, CEO of the MIA said that the code sharing agreement, which has been signed by Brussels Airlines and Air Malta, further enhanced the current offer to the Belgian market and beyond.
"Whilst keeping in mind the amount of expats living and working in Brussels, who wish to hop back home for the weekend, the flights also provide further accessibility for visitors to our island," said Klaushofer.
Brussels Airlines became a member of the Star Alliance in December 2009 and is also a fully integrated member of Lufthansa's frequent flyer program Miles & More.