Air Malta has new CEO

As expected, Air Malta's chief operating officer, Joe Cappello, has been promoted to CEO.

Mr Cappello succeeds Ernst Funk, who leaves the company after three-and-a-half years as the airline's top executive officer. Mr Cappello, who has held a number of top level positions within the airline, "will have the task to continue leading the company through the difficult path of restructuring and return to profitability," the company said.

The Times had reported on March 11 that Mr Cappello was expected to be appointed CEO "shortly". Mr Cappello was one of several candidates, who included non-Maltese nationals, being considered for the airline's top post.

Commenting on the appointment, airline chairman Lawrence Zammit said: "Joe Cappello brings with him the in-depth, hands-on knowledge he has of the company and the airline industry. His leadership qualities are well known and he is a respected individual and professional both locally and overseas. Mr Cappello's experience is vast in every area of our business not least in the critical commercial revenue generating aspect. I am sure that together with the senior management team he will continue to lead the business in the right direction".

Mr Cappello said: "This is indeed the biggest professional challenge I have had to face and which I have taken on knowing that I enjoy the support and backing of the shareholder, the board of directors, the four unions and the employees. I know that I can count on each and every one of us to do what is required of us in these difficult times. The task is huge, the resources are limited, but the willingness, experience and capability to turn the company around and continue delivering our seamless service is there".

Mr Cappello joined Air Malta in 1976, shortly after graduating in economics from the University of Malta. He spent some time in market research, before being appointed manager system sales. In 1988 he moved to London, to head Air Malta's UK office, with the added responsibility for the Scandinavian and Benelux markets.

In 1993 he was recalled to Malta to lead the company's commercial department, a position he kept until 1997 when he was appointed group general manager. He was named chief operating officer in 2002.

Mr Cappello, a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, has served as director of the Malta Tourism Authority (previously the National Tourism Organisation of Malta) since 1993. He has lectured overseas, including at Cranfield University, on commercial aviation subjects.