Air Malta is no more – KM Airlines’ maiden flight today
The national carrier Air Malta has officially ceased its operations on Saturday night after half a century of service, paving the way for another airline to assume control from the financially troubled carrier. The final flight, designated as KM 103, left London Heathrow at 8:30 pm, marking the end of an era as it landed in Malta at 12:40 am on Sunday. The departure of the final flight from Malta occurred at 4:55 pm. Following this transition, the newly established national airline, KM Malta Airlines, will embark on its inaugural flight on Sunday, with passengers expected to experience only minor adjustments. This emergence of the new airline comes after the European Commission declined a government appeal for additional state funding for Air Malta. (Times of Malta)
Two arrested after discovery of 2,500 preserved protected birds
Two individuals have been apprehended under suspicion of being associated with a criminal group engaged in the illegal trafficking of protected bird species. According to a statement released by the police on Saturday, the suspects, aged 42 and 57, respectively from Zurrieq and Gudja, were detained earlier this week following extensive investigations. During searches conducted at their homes, law enforcement discovered seven shotguns and around 2,500 preserved specimens of protected bird species. (Maltatoday)
Marfa breakwater rebuilt
The rebuilding of the Marfa breakwater has been completed by Infrastructure Malta, with an investment of €2.1 million. The Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works said that this breakwater goes back decades and was used to dock by the ferries that operated the journeys between Malta and Gozo until the port of Ċirkewwa was built in the mid-seventies. The Ministry said that the breakwater has suffered considerable damages caused by the elements over the years. (The Malta Independent)
