In 1981, 3 Boeing 737-200s were wet leased, which were so successful that in 1983, 3 new fully owned Boeing 737-200s were delivered. In 1986, Air Malta bought 3 new Boeing 737-200s, and in 1987 ordered its first Airbus A320. In 1989, Air Malta exercised an option for one more A320, and in 1992, 3 more Boeing 737-300s were ordered and 4 Avro RJ70s were ordered for routes to Catania and Palermo, and to new destinations such as Tunis and Monastir.