PM silent on possible partners for Air Malta

● Believes good news on the horizon

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat would not say the nationalities of the companies currently in preliminary discussions with Air Malta, but did say that he believes good news is on the horizon.

The last strategic partner to enter discussions with Malta’s national airline was Alitalia, but negotiations ended and no agreement was reached. Questions surrounding Air Malta’s future have grown as a result.

Dr Muscat, during a press conference at Mater Dei Hospital, was asked whether an agreement with a Chinese company was in the pipeline for Air Malta.

Preliminary discussions regarding Air Malta are ongoing with many organisations, he said. “I believe that there will be good news for Air Malta in the future,” he said. “I will not rush to make an announcement during the election campaign. If there is an important development during the election campaign, then we will publish it, if not then no.”

“I will not say if there are or aren’t Chinese companies involved. What I can say is that there are companies from different countries which are very interested in Air Malta. Our negotiationsaim to ensure that no Air Malta workers lose their jobs, and we assure them of their jobs.”

“If we arrive at an MOU in four weeks we will say so; if not and we are re-elected, we will continue working on negotiations to conclude an agreement. We want the government to remain in control of Air Malta, and that is our preferential position. We want investment in Air Malta, and a situation where we can use procurement procedures of the strategic partner that would be involved.”

He said that there are diverse companies in a number of consortia which the government is considering. “I am positive that, as we found a solution for Enemalta, we will find a solution for Air Malta.”