Norwegian Air Shuttle will operate two flights to Malta a week, every Tuesday and Saturday, and is expected to move tourism to Malta in Norway, providing the Mediterranean island with a new influx in tourism. Joining the likes of Ryanair, who have been operating direct routes to Malta for over a year with relative success.

The addition of yet another low cost airline is expected to further boost tourist numbers visiting Malta and Norwegian Air Shuttle opens a window of opportunity to attract more Scandinavian tourists to visit the Maltese islands. Malta's economy heavily depends on tourism and the introduction of low cost airlines to offer cheap flights to Malta is seen as a positive move by the authorities who had been protective of national airline Air Malta.

Norwegian AS commenced operations in September 2002 with four domestic routes and six B737-300 aircraft but has grown considerably since then and nowadays has 31 aircrafts and an additional 53 new B737-800's on order from early next year. The low-cost airline offers a flight network of 128 routes to 76 destinations from Norway, Sweden and Poland.

"We are very proud to include Malta in our already extensive European network" said Daniel Skjeldam, Chief Commercial Officer of Norwegian AS.

"Malta has always been a favourite destination for Scandinavians and we realised that there is a great demand, judging from the numerous enquiries we receive from our customers. We believe that with low prices and a direct flight, it will be a success". Mr Skjeldam added.

He went on to say that the airline is collaborating with the MTA and MIA to promote the route in Norway, offering cheap flights to Malta, and he expressed his appreciation for the support that both entities have shown throughout.