Updated with Air Malta statement at 2.56pm
The Air Malta pilots’ association this morning hinted that Air Malta is giving cargo services free of charge to certain operators.
Speaking during a meeting with the Opposition, pilots association head Dominic Azzopardi demanded that all those using Air Malta’s services be made to pay for them.
“We want to know that people using the service are paying for it. There is €200 million in turnover. Someone is not paying for the service they are getting. The planes are always full of cargo. Where is the money going?” Mr Azzopardi asked.
But in a statement this afternoon the airline categorically denied the allegaltions which it said were totally unfounded.
Air Malta said the allegations were serious and called on Mr Azzopardi to withdraw or substantiate them with relevant facts within 24 hours. Legal action would be taken against him unless he did so.
“We do not know what is going on, it is all very vague. When you ask for details they say the contract has not yet been signed,” Mr Azzopardi said.
Unions representing engineers and cabin grew also lamented the lack of details about the proposed buyout at present.
Victor Carachi, from the General Workers Union, emphasised the importance of cooperation between the government and Opposition.
“We do not want Air Malta turned into a political football,” Mr Bugeja said.
PN leader Simon Busuttil said the Opposition wants to contribute constructively to the matter.
He said the government should seriously consider selling Air Malta shares to the public.
Dr Busuttil expressed his concerns about a recent statement by the Alitalia chairman, who said the Air Malta deal would be risk-free and not require any investment.