An aircraft that has been wet leased by Air Malta, and which is causing delays across Europe, is far from being up to scratch and passengers have been left not only disappointed but even frazzled after flying on an aircraft that is well below Air Malta's usual standards.
The Boeing 737-400, leased by Air Malta from the Lithuanian GetJet Airlines, has been sending shivers up and down the spines of travellers this week, who have reported being more than a little uneasy flying on the generic and antiquated aircraft.
Technical and other issues have led to long delays this week in at least Malta, the UK, Belgium and Italy and matters do not appear to be looking up.
However, it is not only the delays that have left travellers with a bad taste in their mouths. The aircraft leased by Air Malta is obviously antiquated, reportedly almost 30 years old, and far from at par with Air Malta's far more modern fleet. The fixtures and amenities leave a lot to be desired and safety instruction cards are not on all seats.
This journalist had the dubious honour to have flown on the aircraft in question on Wednesday night from Brussels. Before it reached Brussels airport for its turnaround, the flight had already been delayed by half-an-hour. But that half-hour delay turned into a delay of over two hours, and waiting passengers could see two fire engines and airport security vehicles on the scene while technical staff inspected the plane with flashlights.
While airport staff would only say that the aircraft, painted plain while with no Air Malta livery visible, had suffered a "technical difficulty", waiting passengers were alarmed when they saw smoke coming out from what they first suspected was one of the jet's engines.
Further speculation was that a tyre had blown out on landing but informed sources later said the issue had been with the brakes, which had to be replaced before taking off again. In fact, when landing in Luqa, the brakes were heard to be making curious, and rather disconcerting, noises.
Again, on Friday, the same aircraft was delayed by over an hour at Milan's Linate airport and reports about the delay have ranged from yet more technical issues to issues regarding the plane's Minimum Equipment List of serviceable equipment necessary to safely operate a flight.
As in the case on Wednesday in Brussels, waiting passengers were frightened when they saw people hurriedly inspecting the aircraft before take-off. They were also concerned about the obviously antiquated state of the aircraft's exterior and interior. Some reportedly wanted to get off the aircraft but were prevented from doing so.
The aircraft eventually took off, with passengers left in the dark, and somewhat nervous, about the reason for the delay and concerned about the safety of the aircraft and, by default, their own safety.
And again yesterday, the same plane, this time running the Malta-London Gatwick–Malta route, was delayed by close to 14 hours, with Air Malta putting the delay down to "operational reasons", without specifying further as to what those reasons actually were.
Air Malta, in a statement yesterday explained that, "The flight was scheduled to be operated by a wet leased aircraft which was brought in to help with the increased flight schedule currently being operated by the airline. The short-term wet lease of this aircraft was necessary because the delivery of the ninth aircraft was delayed by the leasing company.
"Such wet lease is necessary until the two new aircraft secured by Air Malta will be delivered by the suppliers shortly. Wet leasing aircraft is an industry standard when dealing with increased operational requirements and unexpected aircraft delays and is done by all international airlines on a regular basis."
The airline, in the middle of well-known financial difficulties, said that other flights may also be impacted.
The airline also stressed that it "gives utmost importance to the safety and well-being of its clients and staff and has spared no effort to minimise the inconvenience to passengers due to circumstances beyond its control.
"Putting its customers first, and to minimize inconveniences, guests will be accommodated in nearby hotels and offered refreshments in line with the delay's duration."
With a wet lease, a company provides an aircraft complete with crew, maintenance, and insurance to another airline, which usually pays by the hours operated. And while wet leasing aircraft is, as the airline says, an industry standard, this particular wet lease leaves a lot to be desired, and many questions to be asked. It also does little to foster confidence in the ailing airline, in a sector where reputation is paramount.
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