Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis yesterday described to The Malta Independent the current situation at Air Malta as “works in progress” and said talks were underway with a number of interested parties but warned that a positive outcome would still come with “painful elements.”  

A few weeks back The Malta Independent on Sunday reported that the government is seeking approval from the EU to be able to issue early retirement schemes to a sizable number of its workforce. It is understood that the airline, which has been under restructuring since 2009, will have to cut down on its number of pilots and cabin crewmembers. This paper also reported that four unions, representing the pilots, cabin crew, ground crew and engineers, were to meet the minister by the end of February.

Speaking to this newsroom yesterday, Dr Zammit Lewis confirmed that the meetings had indeed taken place. “I have met with all four unions. We had positive talks and everyone understands the challenges that Air Malta faces. We are working on changes that need to happen but also on possibility of a strategic partner and new investment in Air Malta. I would describe the situation as works in progress.”

Asked if the unions had accepted that jobs need to be slashed, Dr Zammit Lewis said they appreciated his honesty. “They have someone who is not afraid to look them in the eye and tell them the truth. I believe they appreciate this, even if there are still demands from their end. Some of these demands are justified, but others, such as talk of a pay rise in these difficult times, are not.”

The Tourism Minister said increased communication with the workers was essential.

Asked if he would confirm rumours that Air China is in talks with the government over a possible strategic partnership, Dr Zammit Lewis said he would not name names or entertain speculation. “There are several interested airlines and investors, which may not necessarily be airlines. We are speaking with all of them. We know what we want and if we make an announcement in the future it will be something that ticks all the strategic element boxes.”

Pointing out that the government had not been afraid to bin talks with Alitalia, which could have seen Air Malta become part of the Etihad network, the minister called for national unity on this difficult issue. “We need to come together and find a solution that everyone agrees with, whilst acknowledging that there will be a painful aspect, because even if new investment comes in, hard decisions will need to be taken. At least we will have a roadmap with which to move forward, as difficult as that may be.”