Airport Value Marketing Association (AVMA) together with Aviation Health (AH), recently launched the "Healthy Flying" concept at Malta International Airport.

Flying can be a major mental and physical stress, which is why the Airport Value Marketing Association is encouraging travellers to adopt methods that will benefit their health and comfort while on board. Even for those who do not suffer from flight anxiety, the human body undergoes strenuous changes when flying that may not even be felt. Thus, the notion of "healthy flying" is relevant to all travellers and therefore AVMA wants to provide passengers with simple alternatives that will make travelling a more relaxing and comfortable experience.

With the help and guidance of Farrol Kahn, Founder and Director of the non-profit organisation AH, AVMA is promoting a number of products which will help reduce stress whilst travelling and which are now available for sale at Malta International Airport. These products range from moisturisers to combat dryness caused by cabin temperatures, flight socks to reduce leg swelling, pillows, eye masks, ear plugs to reduce noise and induce sleep and ear buds to relieve pressure changes. Furthermore, oxygen supplement droppers to revive the brain, dark chocolate to improve blood circulation as well as red wine in order to act as an anti-oxidant upon arrival are also available.

Farrol Kahn has written four books on aviation health and medicine and has been involved in the aviation industry for the past 25 years. He praised MIA for supporting this initiative, describing MIA as "one of the most progressive airports in Europe, as it cares for its passengers by offering information, and making these products available."

MIA's Head - Non-Aviation Services Mario Psaila-Savona welcomed the initiative which will further improve the quality of service that MIA provides to its customers. "The Healthy Flying concept is an added benefit and we have supported it throughout as it enhances our commitment to provide always higher standards of customer service making our airport a quality experience for our passengers" Mario Psaila-Savona said.

AVMA will also be promoting the concept through publicity material that will be distributed inside the Departures Area by a number of promoters who, together with sales assistants, have attended product-knowledge courses to provide a better service to passengers.