Arrigo critical of Air Malta’s leadership
Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo says previous government’s expenditure should not have been spent on ‘frivolous’ project.
Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo has voiced strong opposition to the position held by Peter Davies, chief executive officer at Air Malta.
In his preamble, the MP made it clear that his speech had been prepared four months ago but he never had the chance to deliver it.
Arrigo told the House that he did not agree with certain government expenditure carried out by the PN administration, money which he said should have gone towards financing the health sector rather then spent on "the frivolous" project, ostensibly referring to the building of a new parliament.
But the MP's speech was also highly critical of the role occupied by Peter Davies at Air Malta, insisting that if it hadn't been for the Malta Tourism Authority, Malta's national airline would have failed.
"Air Malta is not proactive in creating jobs and if it hadn't been for the initiatives undertaken by the Malta Tourism Authority, the national airline would have never found its footing," he said.
"With its arrogance and wrong work practices, Air Malta would have never survived without MTA."
Without referring to him by name, Arrigo also criticised the working policy of Air Malta's CEO Peter Davies.
With a salary package of €350,000 and an additional €150,000 performance bonus, Davies works on a four-day basis with the remaining three days spent abroad.
"We don't want people working on a four day week or who don't answer their emails during the rest of the week," Arrigo said, adding that during his working days "he wants to shoot films as well".
Himself a tourism operator, Arrigo said the national airline could be a success if it was led by capable and dedicated people, "without finding any ministerial interference" when it comes to awarding contracts.
Arrigo said the airline underwent four years of continuous records, which must not be taken for granted.
"This is a highly volatile market and I urge government to work hard and retain the MTA's strong position. Government should take care of MTA and push Air Malta to start taking care of the market."
He also urged the government to retain the balance between low-cost carriers and the national airline.