| Air Malta | Lyon (LYS) → Malta (MLA) | A320neo | Business Class | 19/07/2021 | Current review |
| Air Malta | Malta (MLA) → Lyon (LYS) | A320neo | Business Class | 26/07/2021 |
| Air Malta | Lyon (LYS) → Malta (MLA) | A320neo | Business Class | 19/07/2021 | Current review |
| Air Malta | Malta (MLA) → Lyon (LYS) | A320neo | Business Class | 26/07/2021 |
Hello everyone,
I join you this afternoon in Lyon, France, to share with you my first experience with Air Malta heading the island of Malta. It is my first time flying with Air Malta and their A320neo.
I am in Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport. I am heading to the new Terminal 1 to check my luggage in.
I arrived at the check-in counters a little early, so I had to wait for a good half an hour before I could check-in. It's important to know that Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport tends to open its check-in desks quite late, which is why it's pointless to arrive too early.
Regarding the terminal hall, it is very plain, empty, and lacks charm. There are hardly any shops and very few seating areas.
The self-check-in kiosks are unavailable due to health measures, so check-in is done with the airport staff. They are friendly and smiling.
Next, I look at the departure boards for my flight. It's at this moment that despite their efforts, it becomes evident that Lyon Airport is still behind compared to competitors like Geneva Airport.
Then, I head towards the security gates, scanning my boarding pass.
Once through all the checks, I make my way to the duty-free area. Lyon Airport has quality facilities, although they are limited to major brands.
Unfortunately, for reasons unknown to us, the airport lounges in Lyon are closed. For this flight, I traveled in Business Class and was not able to access the lounge. It's quite disappointing considering my business traveler status. I did not expect them to be closed. Many airports continue to operate their lounges even during the pandemic, but unfortunately, Lyon is not one of them.
As a result, I had to wait like an economy-class passenger at the boarding gate.
Social distancing is well respected due to the low number of people in the terminal.
Now it's time to board. Before that, I took the opportunity to take some pictures of different planes, such as a Corsair Airbus A330neo bound for La Réunion or a SunExpress Boeing 737-800 heading to Antalya. However, it's a shame to see such dirty airport windows. The terminal floor is also quite dirty, as the cleaning teams are not present.
Then, my plane for the flight arrives. A beautiful Airbus A320neo, just two years old.
I comfortably settle into this brand-new cabin. I have a great view of the magnificent CFM Leap 1A engines.
Unfortunately, the Business Class seats are almost identical to the economy seats, with a few minor details. In Business Class, passengers have USB ports, greater seat recline, and more cushioned seats with adjustable headrests.
As for legroom, it's reasonably adequate for someone of my height (1.70 meters). However, for taller individuals, it becomes narrower.
My flight was nearly empty with barely 60 passengers on board.
Prepare for takeoff! We begin the pushback with the engines starting up. The pushback is done quickly and efficiently.
Then, we start taxiing to reach our runway. Our takeoff is very smooth.
We have now reached our cruising altitude, and that's when the service begins. It starts with a welcome drink. I opted for a classic orange juice. A few minutes later, the very friendly crew serves us the only meal of the flight, accompanied by a menu. Today, I will have an appetizer, a hot main course with bread, and a dessert, plus a fruit salad. The meals are very good. The bread is crispy and of high quality. The portion sizes are well-proportioned. Nothing to complain about! Flawless.
During my very calm flight, I enjoy the view and then dive into the airline's official magazine. It's very interesting with comprehensive articles. I take a look at the airline's fleet. Then, I open the pouch that was given to me at the beginning, which contains a disposable mask and a packet of hand sanitizer.
I also look at the safety card and the route map of destinations served by the airline.
The view is simply breathtaking. A beautiful sunset at 39,000 feet altitude!
The shared entertainment screen is simple, with an interactive map that is fast and efficient. It's a pity that this A320neo doesn't have individual seatback screens for passengers.
I take a stroll to the restroom to check if they are clean. They are, as the cabin crew cleans and disinfects them after each passenger.
Then, we begin our descent toward Malta Airport. It is a gradual descent.
The cabin lighting dims.
Finally, we arrived at Malta Airport. The temperature is 28°C with 70% humidity. The landing was a bit abrupt during braking.
Once off the plane, I take some pictures of the aircraft on the tarmac. Arrivals and departures at Malta Airport are done on the tarmac with buses transporting passengers.
Once inside the terminal, we wait for our luggage near the carousels.
During this flight, I discovered Air Malta. I was pleasantly surprised by their services. The in-flight service is impeccable with a very friendly and attentive crew. The flight had no delays, and punctuality was on point. The only downside of this flight is that Air Malta doesn't have dedicated "Business" seats. The cabin is not differentiated from the rest of the aircraft. However, I recommend Air Malta's Business Class, especially the Airbus A320neo, for its modernity and impeccable comfort.
