After calling Air Malta ‘crap’ Davies offers apology
Air Malta's CEO Peter Davies offers apology for calling airline 'crap' during private meeting with Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.
Air Malta chief executive Peter Davies described Air Malta as a "crap" airline during a private meeting held with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, which saw MHRA's members storming out of the room where the meeting was being held.
However, according to MHRA's President Tony Zahra, the CEO immediately offered an apology.
When contacted by MaltaToday, Zahra said that "it was purely the result of an emotional outbursts typical of such meetings. However, sometimes, such remarks are better not said."
"This was the case in this particular incident, and there was no need for an apology from Mr Davies since those present were all mature individuals. However, MHRA appreciated that Davies was a gentleman and offered an apology, which was quickly accepted."
When asked if Davies' comments would tarnish his future reputation with Air Malta, Zahra said that "MHRA is a major stakeholder in the local tourism industry and seeks to help and assist in assuring that Air Malta survives and thrives.
"MHRA does not believe that creating a storm in a teacup is the best solution in achieving this objective.
"MHRA recognises that Air Malta needs the help and input of everyone to ensure that this objective is reached and it certainly does not consider this minor incident to be a matter of such public debate nor something that should reflect badly on anyone in particular or on the airline itself for that matter. Certainly, it should not reflect badly on anyone present at the meeting especially since this was a private one."
MaltaToday asked Zahra what the focal point discussed during the meeting, apart from Davies's comments.
"MHRA believes our energy should be focused on convincing the EU to let keep Air Malta flying and in this respect the association added its strong voice during the European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani's visit in Malta this week."
Davies joined Malta's national airline last year following his position as managing director of Air Southwest in the UK after this newspaper had revealed that he had been head-hunted to take over the beleaguered airline.
A website, www.parliamentspeakers.com, which lists individuals renowned for hosting top speakers for high-level events, has Davies's name listed. The website states: "With his level of experience and knowledge, Peter is sure to provide compelling words of wisdom to any speaking event."
Comments like Davies' are apparently referred to as "doing a Ratner" gaffes in the UK.
Gerald Ratner became famous, or rather infamous, in the corporate world when he told a meeting of the UK's Institute of Directors that his jewellery firm's own products were "total crap". He was asked to resign by the group's investors and Ratners group had to change its name in a bid to recover its credibility.
Today, Ratner's speech is still considered as one of the worst examples of how to devaluate a company's image.
A qualified pilot, Davies has held operational and marketing positions in Qantas and as managing director at XP Express Systems, a subsidiary of KLM. He has over 35 years' experience in the aviation industry, both in passenger and express cargo operations and has served as CEO at SN Brussels Airlines, which he successfully launched as Sabena's successor.
During his term, Davies restored the airline's stability after two years of operation by rationalising the airline's network and internal processes and focusing on yield management on European and African routes.
Davies also oversaw the restructuring of BWIA into Caribbean Airlines. His overall experience covers various aspects of global transportation and express logistics including senior board positions in DHL based in Europe and the US.