From 4 May Regional and Business Airports Group member, London Southend, will launch three new routes to the Mediterranean with Air Malta. In addition to operating direct flights to Malta, of which Valletta is the 2018 European Capital of Culture, the airline will also be offering services to Catania, Sicily and to Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. Waving the flags at the news at the London airport were: Peter Vella, Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority; Glyn Jones, CEO, London Southend Airport; and Giovanni Costa, UK Market Manager, Air Malta.