The PN today presented the principles of their proposals on  Air Malta, however chose not to discuss the intricate details until meetings between the opposition and government commence this Thursday.

The press conference held earlier today was addressed by PN MPs Claudio Grech, Censu Galea and Antoine Borg, and Mr Grech stressed that Air Malta workers should not lose their jobs through the deal. Claudio Grech mentioned that government had already guaranteed the workers' jobs, "however whether this would be with Air Malta or not, we would have to see down the line".

He also stressed that the airline should not lose its centres of excellence, such as engineering sector for Air Malta, as if the partnership does not work out, it could leave the airline in a problematic situation.

PN MP Grech said that the PN has an open mind and wants to be a participant in the "process that would strengthen Air Malta's future".

As the opposition, he said, "we are putting forward our ideas as to how the process could be strengthened". This, he said, is with the aim of moving the agenda forward and strengthening the tourism sector.

In the coming days, the PN will discuss details of the proposals with government in their first meeting, he said, adding that today, the principles of their proposals were being published but not the details. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday.

Our connectivity is crucial, Mr Grech explained.

"This is a unique opportunity, where everyone can put their sectoral interests aside in order to find a collective solution. Air Malta is an economic pillar and we, as the PN, made strong efforts for the restructuring procedures to work as planned. The restructuring plan which began in 2012 has ended, and Air Malta's losses have substantially lowered".

"We recognise the work which occurred by the boards and CEOs of Air Malta, and we believe that today's team is leading Air Malta towards the break-even point".

"The first point is that we agree with the concepts of a strategic partner. We don't however, believe that the strategic partnership should include the selling of so many shares. Whoever the strategic partner is, is irrelevant, and we have nothing against Alitalia. Etihad is also mentioned in the MOU, but Etihad is not a signatory. So while they will be a part of the process, they are not signatories".

"In Parliament we asked if government asked the EU regarding the sale of shares and what could happen, as if there are a large number of airlines under the same banner, they would need permission from the EU. Because Etihad already had airlines in Serbia, when they took over Allitalia they had to cut two planes".

"We also believe that government could explore other options aside from the selling of shares as to how it can increase the company's capital. Government must not exclude the possibility of gathering capital through local businesses. Government must seriously consider this option, through private Maltese investors and Maltese institutions that generally invest in such instruments".

"The MOU indicates that past liabilities might be side-lined outside of the agreement of shares transfer, thus makes the idea of local investment stronger. We do not exclude a mix, such as the selling of shares to both the strategic partner and local investors".

"Government should also consider the workers, and they should have the ability to invest in the agenda. Should they have to undertake certain cuts or more work as the result of the agreement, it might be worth considering giving them a priority when it comes to the purchase of shares etc, which would help them have a greater stake in the company".

Antoine Borg said that the routes and their frequency must not be affected through the agreement, stressing that certain routes are extremely important for Malta.

Censu Galea spoke about the workers, and explained that they should themselves be seen as a resource. Nobody must lose their job simply because there is this proposed change. One must look at the possibility for the current workers to have better opportunities than they have had now. As such, this occasion must be used to create better opportunities for the workers.

This situation must not be used as an occasion to reduce the number of Maltese workers, he said.

"Workers are currently unsure about their future. We understand there are discussions between government and the workers through President Emeritus George Abela, but one must work to ensure that the workers' interests are looked after".

The PN will try and look at the circumstance and will try and hold meetings with the four unions, civil society and the workers. He stressed that those working within the tourism sector have a strong interest in what happens to the company.

Claudio Grech said that this is not a simple situation with a magic wand solution. "We chose to be participants in this process".

"Let us focus on how we can truly make a difference instead of focus on who is right and wrong. We will put forward our proposals and we hope government hears them and not just listens to them," PN MP Grech said.