MIA replies to ALPA and insists ‘incentive scheme for airlines’ effective since 2007

Malta International Airport plc has hit out at the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) for “putting the onus of the current need for restructuring at the national airline on Malta International Airport.”

In a statement, an MIA spokesman stressed that contrary to what was stated, MIA has had an incentive scheme for airlines operating to and from Malta since 2007 and which includes three year term incentives of up to 60% in winter on new strategic destinations and a discount of up to 40% in winter on new destinations, as well as over 50% payback on transfer passengers.

Details on this scheme are available online on www.maltairport.com in the Business Services section.

MIA added that it has “very favourable rates for aircraft parking – including the first six hours of free parking. Regarding claims on cargo income from Air Malta, this is nowhere near the amounts being mentioned. MIA also offers favourable rates for car parking to all employees working within the airport premises, including Air Malta employees.”

“It is surely not the role of Malta International Airport to discuss anything with any of the number of unions representing a section of employees of its clients, and it will refrain from entering into similar debates. The company has always shown it is willing to discuss its role in the successful future of Air Malta – and to this effect, has already started discussions with the management of Air Malta,” the spokesman said.