Pilots vote for Air Malta grounding as government warns on risk of bankruptcy

96% of pilot members in the Airline Pilots Association have authorised the union to call for industrial action, including the suspension of service.

ALPA is insisting that before dismissing any pilots, Air Malta must make substantial savings by renegotiating contracts, particularly with Malta International Airport.

Speaking to MaltaToday, ALPA president Dominic Azzopardi stressed that the secret vote taken at ALPA today was a “clear sign of confidence” in ALPA’s leadership. He added that the vote reflects the “pilots' outright anger and frustration” at the current situation at Air Malta.

“The time has come and we are telling government that enough is enough, and unless drastic changes are made to the way things work at Air Malta, we are all going to lose,” Azzopardi said.

Air Malta aims to cut its current workforce by 511, including 57 pilots from a compliment of 149.

The pilots are also to march to Castille in Valletta on July 15, and will be joined by the members of the cabin crew union who expressed support. Reports a few days ago said a strike could take place on July 16.

Meanwhile, ALPA pilots also approved a motion ‘no-confidence’ in Air Malta's management since 2004. 

The move by pilots' has prompted immediate reactions by the airline and government who both stressed on the need for caution and responsibility at this crucial moment of restructuring.

In separate statements, government and Air Malta stressed on the need for the new management team to be given the "space and time" to be able to put the restructuring programme to work, but warned on the risks of pushing the airline into banckrupcy should action be takn and flights are grounded.