Air Malta warns pilots’ union against increasing anxiety amongst employees

Air Malta has taken issue with comments by union representatives, accusing them of increasing anxiety amongst employees.

The airline was referring to a statement by the Airline Pilots Association, which expressed frustration at Air Malta decisions that were being made without consulting unions, such as the move to occupy two floors at the Malta International Airport's SkyParks business centre.

"Just two days before ALPA's president, Dominic Azzopardi commented about lack of consultation, Air Malta's chief executive and the chief officer flight operations met the ALPA executive committee where they discussed their future aspirations for the airline. A week before this meeting, Air Malta had also organised a very positive and a well attended conference for its pilots to update them on the restructuring," the airline said.

Air Malta was adamant in insisting that failure in turning the airline around was that Air Malta would have to close down.

"The restructuring programme is a very complex project. Air Malta is taking a comprehensive review of every element of the organisation - not just a financial turnaround," Air Malta said.

The airline is also reducing employee numbers by around 500, who are being released through a staggered plan. Over 300 employees have already left the company. The airline received 1,043 applications from 309 employees for the 177 internally advertised positions.

"This is a massive reorganisation of the national carrier with many staff leaving, others taking up new roles, whilst other new recruits are joining the airline all the while improving processes. To suggest that we are going slowly is based on a lack of appreciation of what is involved in an airline turnaround," the airline said in a statement.

Air Malta also said opening of new routes was not part of the airline's immediate plans.

"The turn-around strategy sees the airline first fix its financial position by reducing costs, re-negotiate contracts, focus on core activities, and keeping management accountable. Only then can it optimise and exercise strategic options like opening up new routes."

"No organisation in Malta has undergone such an enormous and complex reorganizational change whilst continuing to operate its services to customers. Air Malta is doing its utmost to ensure a seamless transition for the benefit of its employees, customers and the local tourism industry," the airline said.