European pilots’ body writes to PM expressing concern and regret on Air Malta dismissals

The European Cockpit Association, which represents over 40,000 pilots in Europe has written to Prime Minister Robert Abela, expressing its deep concern about the decision of Air Malta to dismiss 108 pilots due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The ECA said that in Europe, the majority of the airlines, including the airline group of Air Malta’s direct competitor in the island, have reached job retention agreements with their pilots to ensure that they will be ready to take their duties as soon as the operations resume. The agreements ensure that pilots will receive between 55 and up to 90% of their current pay during the crisis. It therefore expresses regret that Air Malta has not taken a similar approach towards its employees.

“It is deplorable that an airline which provides a strategic service to the country by ensuring its connectivity fails to protect its workforce during the crisis. Air Malta’s pilots form the backbone of the airline’s operations and deliver high skill value sets ranging from flying the aircraft to maintaining highly specific administrative and technical jobs and undertaking various high value training programmes. Air Malta’s pilots have trained numerous airline pilots around the globe, whilst ensuring an impeccable safety record.”

The ECA requested the Maltese government to ensure that such a critical and strategic company for the country will guarantee a fair percentage of the salaries for its pilots during this crisis.