Air Malta and the Union of Cabin Crew yesterday reached an agreement that incorporates working practices and retirement schemes, which will be presented to the union’s members on Tuesday for their approval.

Apart from tackling voluntary and redundancy schemes, the agreement would enhance the flexibility of working conditions, including rosters.

The deal is the first to be reached by the airline with one of the four unions with which it has been locked in difficult talks over restructuring for the past few months.

The airline announced last week that discussions with the cabin crew union and the General Workers Union had stalled – a development that prompted urgent appeals from the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for a resolution.

The difficulties seem to have been overcome with the cabin crew but the situation remains unresolved with the GWU, sources have said.

Air Malta’s Chief Executive Peter Davies said the agreement showed the willingness of both parties to move forward and paved the way to increased flexibility and productivity. He added that both the airline and union had put a lot of effort into getting a good deal for the company, staff and customers.

“No organisation is immune to the changing realities in the industry and we need to adapt now. What was good a few years ago is simply not good enough now. Everyone needs to understand that we are in the service industry and our customers expect the very best from us. I believe that once this agreement has been ratified, we will be in a better position to focus on the airline’s customers and enhance our inflight experience,” he said.