Delta Air Lines’ direct connection between Malta and New York has recorded an average seat load factor of 84 per cent in its first months of operation.

The connection aims to get higher-spending tourists to the island and strengthen business ties.

The route, connecting Malta International Airport with New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, began operating in June with three weekly flights.

Up to 21st September, the service recorded an average seat load factor of 84 per cent, according to information released by the Government following a meeting between Prime Minister Robert Abela and Delta Air Lines Vice President Scott Jordan in New York.

Seat load factor measures the proportion of an airline’s available passenger capacity that is occupied.

The performance comes around three months after Delta launched the connection, marking the return of direct scheduled air connectivity between Malta and the United States.

When the service was originally announced, Delta confirmed that it would operate three weekly flights using a Boeing 767-300 between June and October 2026.

Following the route's performance so far, discussions between the Government and Delta have now focused on the possibility of extending the connection into 2027, as well as further collaboration to promote Malta in the US market.

Dr Abela said the direct connection was already delivering added value for tourism and business while creating further opportunities for connectivity with the US market.