Updated | Air Malta replies to pilots but ignores resignation call

Updated at 4:40pm with flight disruption notice

The national airline has completely ignored ALPA's call for the resignation of Air Malta's CEO Peter Davies and reiterated its argument that the pilots' association had caused Air Malta to lose lease opportunities.

Air Malta also accused ALPA of making "misleading and incorrect claims".

"ALPA's claim that a lack of crew exists cannot be further from the truth especially since the return of the 10 pilots to Air Malta who were working for the polish airline OLT that declared bankruptcy a few weeks ago," the airline said.

This morning, ALPA vehemently denied Air Malta's claim, insisting that the suggestion was "shocking and dishonest".

ALPA went on to accuse Air Malta's management of trying to fool its shareholders and the Maltese public into believing that ALPA is asking for a ridiculous increase in pay. "The facts are that ALPA had actually offered to take an increase only after some stability returns to the airline's finances," ALPA said.

But in a reaction, the national airline said that it was aware of its responsibilities towards its employees, its customers, the people of Malta and its shareholders.

"The restructuring process the Company is going through has been hard for everyone and all other Unions have managed to come to terms with the fact that everyone has to make sacrifices to turn around the Company. We should not fool ourselves, this is the only chance we get to make it work and we need everyone to be moving in the same direction," it said.

Air Malta was then quick to add that ALPA has given up nothing, insisting that it was "unfortunate that ALPA decided to take on a fight at the worst possible moment for everyone concerned, including its members".

Air Malta also accused ALPA of lying: this morning the pilots' association insisted that it had been negotiating for 3% pa on the basic wage, in addition to arrears which were still being claimed and a slight increase in the overtime rate or points.  However, Air Malta is now saying that the "slight increase" translates to 35%.

"Had the requests by ALPA really been what they are claiming, the collective agreement would have been signed weeks ago. If ALPA is ready to settle for a 3% increase in basic salary and a slight increase in weighted units, not the 35% they are asking for, the Company invites them to come and finalise discussions about the collective agreement today," the airline challenged ALPA.

The board of directors and the management went on to say that ALPA should see the bigger picture.

"[ALPA] shouldn't be trying to take advantage of a situation which can ultimately cost thousands of jobs and millions of euro to the economy in general and the tourism industry in particular," Air Malta concluded.

Flight disruptions

In a separate statement, Air Malta said that it may be affected by flight disruptions due to crew shortage.

"Air Malta is closely monitoring the situation and will advise its passengers of any changes in its flight operations as a result of this situation," Air Malta said.

Passengers due to travel on Air Malta flights are advised to confirm their flight departure/arrival times on telephone number 50043333.

Air Malta will be regularly issuing media statements and updating its portal www.airmalta.com and its Facebook page www.facebook.com/AirMalta with the latest updates.