Unions representing workers at Air Malta said they were oblivious to any developments regarding the sale of the national carrier’s shares to Etihad Airways, as reported in Times of Malta yesterday.

They all were “surprised” with the story, which the government later shot down by saying that it is still looking for a strategic partner for Air Malta. Prime Minister Muscat said that no seal has been struck and the first agreement will be a memorandum of understanding followed by the official start of negotiations.

When contacted by The Malta Independent, Air Malta Chief Executive Office Philip Rizzo said that he didn’t know about any deals involving the sale of Air Malta shares to Etihad Airways.

Mr Micallef said that “last Monday the Works Council was informed by Air Malta Chairperson Ms Maria Micallef that the negotiations are getting closer.” The Works Council is made up of representatives of the airline and the unions.

This newsroom also contacted the various unions that represent Air Malta employees and they all said that no one spoke to them about a deal with Etihad.

General Workers Union Secretary Josef Bugeja said: “After I read the newspaper story I immediately asked for a meeting with Air Malta and the government to know what the situation is.”

Air Malta Pilots Union President Dominic Azzopardi said that, “we are not informed of any agreement. All I can say is that discussions on the future of the pilots have not yet started.”

The Association of Aircraft Engineers said that nothing was communicated with them.

This newsroom tried several times to contact the cabin crew union but could not reach any of its representatives.