Updated 2.40pm

Air Malta chief executive Clifford Chetcuti has resigned for personal reasons, the government said.

In a statement, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri thanked Chetcuti for "his sterling work" in the strengthening of the airline during the past two years.

He commended his resilience and personal commitment in leading the company
through such challenging times.

Chetcuti will be supporting the company until Air Malta appoints a new CEO. He has also offered "unconditional support" to the national airline at no remuneration, Schembri said.

A public call to replace him is expected to be issued later this month. 

Air Malta sources said the decision to leave had been communicated to the board and Office of the Prime Minister earlier this week. 

Chetcuti joined the airline as a cadet in 1987, and flew with both Emirates and Qatar Airways.

He was appointed Air Malta CEO in September 2018, rejoining the airline after serving as vice president for flight training for Qatar Airways. 

His decision to leave comes as the airline struggles with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Air Malta is also in the throes of a long-standing battle with the pilots' union, after the airline made 69 pilots redundant earlier this year.

 

 

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