Air Malta to shed aircraft this winter

This is one of the several attempts which are to take place to try and reduce the company’s costs as once again the airline company has found itself in financial difficulties, it-Torċa reported.

Even though it has not been officially announced, this decision has been taken by the highest authorities in the company, where the reduction of the plane might mean less routes, the newspaper said.

Air Malta currently flies to 36 destinations operating with 12 aircraft, of which the absolute majority are rented.  The difficult situation which Air Malta is passing through was explained by Sonny Portelli, in a pilot's meeting that took place recently where he said the company had to undertake a new business plan to cut costs.

Government is studying ways how it can help Air Malta without breaking any European rules on state aid.  Such rules do not allow governments to subsidise companies in such circumstances. The newspaper said that one of the solutions being studied is that the government is trying to buy some of the rented airplanes so that the airline can save on rent.