A second Air Malta retirement scheme may be considered, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said on Wednesday.

Caruana was replying to a parliamentary question by PN MP Ivan Castillo, saying that he could not exclude the possibility of government opening a second early retirement scheme for Air Malta workers.

Castillo said that workers who had opted to stay with the airline rather than move to the public service had felt aggrieved as the early retirement option was only offered after they had taken their decision as to whether to remain with the airline or not.

Caruana said that various studies requested by the European Commission are being carried out at the current stage of the airline's restructuring. Discussions will then continue with the European Commission on the government's request for the commission to authorise state funding for Air Malta.

He said that he could not exclude another early retirement scheme, and that he is currently holding discussions with pilot and cabin crew unions, as their existing early retirement schemes cannot continue.

Caruana said that whoever decides to give up the right to an early retirement scheme would be offered compensation to leave the airline.

The government was offering €40,000 to those who had served up to five years in the airline; €80,000 to those serving five to 10 years; €120,000 for 10-15 years of service; €150,000 for 15-20 years of service; €180,000 for 20-25 years; €210,000 for 25-30; and €240,000 for those who have served over 30 years of service.