The history of Air Malta stretches back to 1974, when the government of Malta founded the airline. Initially, the airline flew to just a few destinations in Europe and the Middle East. In 1981, Air Malta became the first airline of Malta to join the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

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In the early years, Air Malta primarily operated Boeing 737 aircraft, supplemented by smaller Fokker 50s and Shorts 330s. In 1989, the airline made the transition to an all-Airbus fleet, operating the A320. This allowed Air Malta to expand its route network to include destinations in the Mediterranean, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Air Malta’s first major milestone came in 1993, when the airline joined the Oneworld alliance. This allowed Air Malta to offer its passengers access to a global network of over 600 destinations in more than 140 countries.

In 1998, Air Malta made another important move, launching its first low-cost subsidiary, Air Malta Express. This allowed the airline to offer low fares to its passengers, while still offering the same level of service and safety for which Air Malta was known.

In the 2000s, Air Malta underwent a major fleet renewal, replacing its aging fleet with new Airbus A319s, A320s, and A321s. This allowed the airline to offer new services, such as nonstop flights to North America, and also enabled it to reduce its environmental impact by operating more fuel-efficient aircraft.

In 2008, Air Malta launched its loyalty program, Miles&Smiles. This allowed passengers to earn points for every flight taken, which could then be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

In 2012, Air Malta celebrated its 40th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the airline launched a major rebranding effort, introducing a new logo and livery. This rebranding effort was part of an effort to modernize Air Malta and make it more competitive in the global aviation market.

In 2013, Air Malta was acquired by the government of Malta and reorganized as a public limited company. Since then, the airline has continued to expand its route network, offering new services to destinations throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Air Malta has not been without its share of controversy. In April 2018, the airline suffered a major incident when one of its planes experienced a rapid depressurization and had to make an emergency landing. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident, and the airline took steps to ensure that all of its aircraft were properly maintained and inspected.

Air Malta has come a long way since its founding in 1974. The airline has grown to become one of the leading carriers in the Mediterranean region, offering its passengers access to a global network of destinations. With a modern fleet and a commitment to safety, Air Malta is well-positioned to continue to serve the people of Malta and its visitors for many years to come.