Now that ALPA was becoming sensitive to Air Malta's financial situation, it should reconsider its demands to the company and bring them in line with the situation, Air Malta said this morning.

It was replying to a statement issued earlier today by the Airline Pilots Association, which directed its members not to participate in special events to celebrate the rebranding of the airline and unveiling of its new livery.

ALPA said these events were highly inappropriate in the airline’s current financial situation. It said invitations to this “once in a lifetime experience” “with plenty to drink and eat” were issued to all Air Malta employees with another event planned for stakeholders and business partners.

The funds spent on these events, ALPA said, could have been put to better and more productive use.

ALPA said it had been promised that it would be consulted and involved in the airline’s restructuring process.

“The rebranding process with all its substantial costs was never mentioned in the Steering Committee, and once again ALPA was not consulted or involved in this matter.

“ALPA and all its members look forward to attending such events when the company returns to profitability and is in a better and more stable financial situation,” it said.

In a reply, Air Malta said it took note of ALPA’s stand with regards to the airline's rebranding.

"While expressing its disappointment that once again the executive committee of the union has failed to rise above the canopy and look at the big picture it is pleased to note that the same executive is finally becoming more sensitive to the precarious financial situation of the Company.

"Air Malta now expects ALPA to reconsider its demands made to the company as part of its discussions and bring them more in line with the situation currently at hand with a view to ensure that Air Malta returns to profitability and a more stable financial situation."