‘Too much uncertainty surrounding Air Malta’, says MEP candidate

Nationalist candidate for MEP Stefano Mallia has claimed that Air Malta employees were not being kept up to date with the national airline’s progress for its restructuring programme as mandated by the European Commission.

In a press conference held at the perimeter of the airport, Stefano Mallia said that there was “too much uncertainty” on Air Malta and among its employees.

“Under the previous administration employees were accustomed to periodic reports as to where the company stood in terms of its restructuring plan and whether the company was reaching its targets. Now there is a deafening silence,” Mallia said.

Mallia said that the government should provide information as to whether the restructuring plan was still on track or not, and whether a restructuring progress report had been sent to the European Commission and what the report’s main conclusions were.

“The company previously organised periodical ‘town hall’ meetings between the management and employees, during which updates are normally given. These meetings are no longer being held,” Mallia said.

The PN candidate also said that recent vacancies and resignations had taken place in the role of chief financial officer, heads of marketing, project management, training, and ground handling, and chief flight operations.

“This does bode well for the stability of the company,” Mallia said.

Also addressing the press conference was PN MP Robert Arrigo, shadow minister responsible for tourism. “Government must tell us what is happening with Air Malta. The airline is too important for the Maltese economy. We cannot play games with the entity.”