Air Malta cost-cuts with baguette and water for economy

Air Malta and SkyGourmet, the airline's catering supplier, have reached an agreement that will see major changes to the airline's in-flight catering and ancillary services as from 1st January 2015.

The agreement will see Club Class passengers benefiting from an upgraded in-flight menu whilst Economy passengers will be offered a baguette and half a litre of water on all routes free of charge. 

A wide selection of good quality food items, including hot snacks and beverages, will be available for purchase from cabin staff at a nominal fee in the near future.

"This agreement is a major milestone for Air Malta.  As part of our ongoing efforts to continue restructuring the airline, we are happy to note that this agreement will save the airline roughly €4 million every year from the overall services that fall under the current contract, including dry goods and commissary services. This sum is appreciable as it means more than a 50 per cent reduction from current expenditure,” Air Malta chairwoman Maria Micallef said.

Air Malta thanked SkyGourmet for helping reach this agreement and said it was looking forward to providing a more flexible service to customers.

Apart from the major cost savings, we are making sure that we provide a better quality in-flight product and selection to our customers travelling in Club. Our Economy customers will have a good quality basic baguette as is customary on most legacy airlines. However, they will have the opportunity to purchase on board a variety of quality goods,” airline CEO Philip Micallef added.

Air Malta is also reviewing other contracts in the various areas of its operation to achieve further cost savings whilst ensuring a better customer experience.