Tourism minister dismisses reports Air Malta to ‘go it alone’

Tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis has moved to deny media reports that Air Malta is set to “go it alone” after failing to find an interested strategic partner.

The Sunday Times of Malta reported today that Air Malta is planning cost-cutting measures worth €6 million, that would include job cuts and a wage freeze, following the collapse in negotiations to sell a stake in the airline to Alitalia.

The report claimed that Air Malta will try to “go it alone” as there are no “real” strategic partners lined up to start new negotiations, and that the government is now considering a Maltese investment in the airline, either through a consortium of Maltese businesses or through an initial public offering.

In a statement, Zammit Lewis accused the newspaper of publishing a false story with the intention of stirring up uncertainty and confusion amongst Air Malta’s staff.

“The government has already confirmed that Air Malta is talking to a number of potential strategic partners,” he said. “The government will proceed with caution and assess all options, including the possibility of local investment.”

He added that the government will continue negotiating with Air Malta’s workers, who he praised for going about their work “despite the continuous false stories” surrounding the airline.