A court has given Air Malta and pilot union ALPA until next Friday to decide on whether they will be withdrawing a pending lawsuit against each other over the dismissal of 69 pilots.

When the case was called before Mr. Justice Toni Abela on Friday morning, the two parties presented a joint application, asking the court for more time to negotiate as an agreement had almost been reached.

The court said it hoped the parties would reach an amicable agreement to ensure that nobody suffers, but warned that if this agreement did not materialise by next Friday 26^th June, the court would proceed with hearing the evidence expeditiously.

Lawyer Aaron Galea Cavallazzi appeared on behalf of Air Malta, whilst ALPA was represented by lawyer Andre Portelli.