Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545155
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 MAY 2026 COMMERCIAL KM Malta Airlines celebrates inaugural flight to Málaga KM Malta Airlines yesterday celebrated the successful launch of its new direct service be- tween Malta and Málaga, with the inaugural flight operating on Wednesday 27th May 2026. The occasion was marked by a special welcome event organised by Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport to commemorate the arrival and departure of the airline's first scheduled service connecting the two Mediterranean destina- tions. Malta International Airport al- so welcomed passengers arriving on the inaugural Málaga–Malta service, marking another impor- tant milestone in strengthening connectivity between Malta and southern Spain. The new route operates twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, offering customers convenient direct connections between Malta International Airport (MLA) and Málaga-Cos- ta del Sol Airport (AGP). Located on Spain's renowned Costa del Sol, Málaga is one of southern Spain's most vibrant and culturally rich destinations. The city combines Mediterra- nean beaches with Andalusian heritage, offering visitors a blend of history, gastronomy, art, and leisure. Travellers can explore Mála- ga's historic centre, visit the world-famous Picasso Museum, discover landmarks such as the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, or enjoy the city's lively culinary scene featuring tapas, seafood, and regional wines. Málaga also serves as an ideal gateway to oth- er popular destinations across Andalusia, including Marbella, Nerja, Ronda, and the pictur- esque, whitewashed villages in- land. The introduction of Málaga further strengthens KM Mal- ta Airlines' Summer 2026 net- work, providing customers with greater travel choice across key European and Mediterranean destinations while continuing to support tourism between Malta and Spain. MeDirect wins European award for digital savings and investing platform excellence MEDIRECT Group has won the Dig- ital Savings and Investing Platform Excellence Award 2026 (Europe). This award, presented by Capital Fi- nance International (CFI.co), recog- nises MeDirect's continued success in delivering a secure, transparent and customer-focused digital banking and investment platform. It also recognis- es the Group's ability to translate its challenger bank model into tangible outcomes for customers, combining improved service with lower costs. In its report, the CFI.co judging pan- el highlighted the continued growth in MeDirect's client base and the strength of its financial position, supported by the recent investment from its new shareholder, Banka CREDITAS. Judges also pointed to the Group's reinforced governance framework, in- cluding enhancements in risk manage- ment, compliance, data governance, platform security and fraud preven- tion, as key factors underpinning its performance. Commenting on the award, Jean- Claude Maher, Group Chief Executive Officer of MeDirect, said: "This rec- ognition reflects the progress we are making in delivering on our strategy to offer customers a secure, easy-to-use platform with access to high quality savings and investment solutions. Our focus remains on using technol- ogy and innovation to provide better service and value, while maintaining the highest standards of security, gov- ernance and risk management." He added that, "MeDirect's growth in both Malta and Belgium is principally fuelled by an affluent customer base that has long been overcharged and underserved within the predominant- ly traditional banking landscape. Our commitment to continuously enhanc- ing our proposition and improving the customer experience is honouring the growing trust our clients place in our services." MeDirect operates as a Malta-an- chored digital bank, serving retail cus- tomers in Malta and Belgium. In Malta, the Bank also offers services through its branches in Sliema and Gozo, as well as a broad range of digital and in-person services to business custom- ers. The Group's relentless investment in technology and innovation contin- ues to broaden its offering and deep- en its capabilities as it grows across its core markets. MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc, company registration number C34125, is regu- lated by the Malta Financial Services Authority and is licensed to undertake the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371) and the busi- ness of investment services under the Investment Services Act (Cap. 370). MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc, The Cen- tre, Tigné Point, Sliema, TPO 0001, Malta. Fashion for Europe Show - Charles & Ron enchant Vienna during the Eurovision Song Contest "FASHION for Europe - United by Fash- ion" was the motto of the most impor- tant side event of the ESC in Vienna, organised by the agency Flashed Events. On the 15th May the square in front of the world-famous Viennese Rathaus was transformed into a large fashion show of nations. Twelve fashion de- signers, representing 11 countries and Europe presented their designs to about 10,000 enthusiastic spectators. Malta was represented by the international well known designer duo Charles & Ron. They brought eight beautiful designs from their latest Fall/Winter 26/27 Col- lection "Siparju" to Vienna. The designs were frenetically celebrated by the audi- ence and received thunderous applause. With the designer duo Charles & Ron, Malta brought its creativity, history, and culture to Vienna during the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Malta's participation was sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority and coordinated by the Embassy of the Re- public of Malta in Austria, Ambassador Dr Francesca Camilleri Vettiger. We also thank KM Malta Airlines to bring the Fashion Designers Charles & Ron to Vienna.