Updated | PN’s demands for clarity on Air Malta given cold shoulder by government

In light of reports that Alitalia has ended discussions with Air Malta, the Nationalist Party (PN) is insisting that the government gives a clear indication of where Air Malta currently stands.

The PN said that the uncertainty currently surrounding the national airline is worrying and is leaving a negative impact on the airline’s employees who deserve better.

“It is worrying that rather than having the government update the nation on developments regarding the privitisation of Air Malta, citizens are forced to learn about what is happening from the Italian media,” read a statement.

The PN said that it was once again insisting that the government accept the Nationalist Party’s proposal, and looks to local investors, adding that it is the party’s belief that the best option for a sustainable future for the airline, is for the government to bring in local investors to increase the airline’s competitiveness.

Air Malta has too great a strategic and economic value for the country for it to be left with this degree of uncertainty about its future, said the PN

In a reaction, the government noted that the opposition is trying to make news of speculation, despite the fact that both the tourism minister and Air Malta’s chairperson yesterday confirmed that the story published in the media is false.

The government assured all Air Malta employees, as well as the general public, that any developments regarding Air Malta will be communicated to the nation as soon as they are confirmed, as was the case when the MoU was signed with Alitalia.

“If the opposition really wants to help in this process, and wants to gain some credibility on Air Malta, it should restrain itself from playing partisan games that increase speculation regarding the process that is seeking to bring about positive change in the national airline.”