Air Malta inaugurates new head office at SkyParks

Air Malta has officially inaugurated its new head office at the Malta International Airport's SkyParks business centre.

The office was officially opened by finance minister Tonio Fenech, Air Malta chairman Louis A. Farrugia, and chief executive Peter Davies.

All Air Malta's head office staff have moved in over the last few weeks, coming together from five separate buildings previously located in the old airline's compound just off the MIA runway

The new open-plan environment will support the airline's restructuring and cultural transformation, while the reception and office space have been designed in line with the new airline brand's positioning of being "100% Malta" and its vision of 'Flying the Pride of Malta'.

Air Malta chief executive Peter Davies said this was a "significant day that represents the process so far undergone. The transformation has been successful and there's a buzz among employees."

Davies said the significant change was the culture revolution inside Air Malta. "The engineers are obviously in the hangar, but we're working to improve the communications there as well. I am extremely proud."

Chairman Louis Farrugia said the airline had conducted the 27^th board meeting under his chairmanship since restructuring was launched.

"The results are impressive. The move to SkyParks is only one part. Revenues are at a good level and we are on track. With this environment we can strengthen team spirit."

Finance minister Tonio Fenech said the last years were not easy for Air Malta, undergoing great costs due to the price of oil, currency exchange, and the impact of low-cost carriers.

"These are realities which all airline companies have to face. Malta had to help Air Malta. It is essentially for the country not to depend on foreign airlines. That is why we embarked on the restructuring process, sustaining the change with millions in investment. But the change is also thanks to the work of all employees."

Around 50% of 1.3 million tourists that came to Malta used the national airline, the result of which reflects the airline's profitability as well as hotels', Fenech said.

"To the airline workers I say, this was not an easy time for you. The change was a time of fear, because people don't always like changes. But the change was needed. I also salute those who applied under the early retirement scheme, a decision that was not easy, but which has helped the company operate more effectively."