In a significant development for the aviation industry in Malta, Air Malta is set to bring an end to its operations this weekend. The national flag carrier, with a history spanning 50 years since its inaugural flight, faced insurmountable challenges, ultimately leading to this decision. The European Union regulators' refusal of another public bailout prompted this move, marking the end of an era for Air Malta.
However, this closing chapter signals the rise of a new state-owned airline, KM Malta Airlines, poised to take over the mantle from its predecessor. Scheduled to commence operations the day after Air Malta's closure, this new airline will inherit eight Airbus A320 aircraft previously leased by Air Malta. This transfer of assets signifies a strategic shift in Malta's aviation landscape, with KM Malta Airlines gearing up to serve routes connecting Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
The demise of Air Malta can be attributed to years of government interference that led to inflated operational costs and an unsustainable workforce. Finance Minister Clyde Caruana acknowledged the airline's prolonged financial losses spanning two decades and revealed that, at its peak, Air Malta maintained a workforce of 1,400 employees to operate just nine aircraft, illustrating the inefficiencies that plagued the carrier. In stark contrast, the new airline will streamline operations, operating