The first in a series of collective agreements between Air Malta and its workers was signed this morning, after the airline and the Association of Airline Engineers reached an agreement covering the next five years.

The collective agreement was described a “landmark agreement” by Air Malta chairman Charles Mangion.

“This is a landmark agreement that shows we value our workers.

“Despite the company’s challenges we are making sure that we provide workers with opportunities,” Dr Mangion said.

Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said that the agreement will provide stability in the industrial relations of a sector that is crucial for the running of the airline.

Photo: Jonathan Borg

While specific details of the agreement were not divulged, the minister said there were no pay cuts and there would also be “some increases”.

Times of Malta reported a week ago that talks between the airline and workers’ unions were making significant progress with preliminary deals already struck the Union of Cabin Crew, the Airline Engineers’ Association and the General Workers’ Union.

On the agreements for the other employees, including the cabin crew and pilots, Dr Mizzi said that while talks are still underway, the end-of-year target still stood and this would hopefully lead to the airline taking a “more profitable route”.

He added that he was positive that an agreement would be reached soon.