Air Malta, ALPA to discuss the future of 10 pilots loaned to Polish airline

Air Malta and the pilots' association ALPA are expected to discuss the future of 10 pilots who returned to Malta following a Polish airline's decision to close business.

While supplying OLT Express with the pilots, Air Malta had also provided training support for cabin instructors, cabin crew initial training and Airbus A320 pilot conversion courses.

Air Malta said that it would be discussing the issue next Thursday since its current requirements are for only 110 pilots. "[We] hope that the discussions will be fruitful and that both sides will work together to resolve this difficulty," Air Malta said.

The Polish airline, OLT Express, had entered into a long-lease agreement with Air Malta to provide an Airbus A320 aircraft.

The long-lease commenced last April and was set to last until November 2015.

But OLT Express stopped flying over the weekend and returned Air Malta's plane.

"Due to OLT Express' financial difficulties, late Monday night, as per the agreement between both airlines, the leased aircraft was returned back to Air Malta and arrived in Malta," Air Malta's spokesman said in a statement.

Air Malta made it clear that it was not owed any money by the Polish airline for the aircraft lease and any outstanding aircraft leases will become payable.

"However Air Malta has a substantial deposit of half a million dollars that was agreed in the negotiations to cover this outstanding debt. Air Malta has taken all necessary actions to protect its interests," the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, Air Malta has reportedly already started discussions with several airlines to lease this Airbus A320 aircraft. "Interest has been shown," the national airline said.