Farewell to Air Malta’s Captain Charles Massa

9 June 2016

Date: Thursday, 09 June 2016
Ref: 038-2016 EN

The very first Air Malta flight ever captained by a Maltese pilot was the departure of KM116 to Gatwick on the 8th of October 1985. The Captain of that flight was 31 year old, Charles Massa.

At the time all Air Malta flights were captained by foreign pilots and Charles had been flying under supervision with them in preparation for his command. The start of Air Malta had heralded new and exciting opportunities for young Maltese people interested in having a career in aviation. In 1974 the possibilities of becoming a pilot in Malta were very remote. 

After 41 years flying for Air Malta, 31 of which as a Captain, Mr Massa flew a total of 25,000 hours and piloted over 8,000 take-offs and landings. His last flight KM 612, Malta – Rome – Malta of Thursday 5th May.

Contacted for a comment Captain Massa said, “Since I have been flying I have seen a lot of changes in the aviation industry – all for the better. From improvements in air safety to the changes in aircraft technology that revolutionised the way we fly including flying instruments and navigational aids. Today we fly with more fuel efficient aircraft and technological improvements in this area are bound to make aircraft more efficient and safe.” 

The airline thanks Captain Charles Massa for his excellent contribution throughout all these years and wishes him a happy retirement.

Pic 1: Captain Massa together with his crew on his last flight. From left Rebecca Micallef, Claire Muscat, First Officer Paul Sultana, Analise Zammit, Captain Charles Massa, Anthony Schembri and Ian Gauci Borda.


Pic 2: Captain Charles Massa


Pic 3: Captain Massa greeted with a water cannon salute upon his arrival on his last flight to Malta.

Pics: Jason Muscat / Air Malta


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