Update 2: Air Malta says it lost €2.5 million because of ALPA, union reacts
Air Malta said today it lost €2.5 million in revenue when ALPA, the airline pilots' association, blocked it from leasing an extra aircraft.
The company also accused ALPA of submitting requests in the collective agreement which amounted to more than €10 million over the period covered by the agreement.
ALPA also issued directives to its members after Air Malta agreed to attend a conciliation meeting with the director of employment and industrial relations and it initially expected the company to accommodate them so as not to pay income tax on part of their earnings, even though this was against the law, Air Malta said.
The company was reacting to an announcement by ALPA earlier today that it had registered an industrial dispute with Air Malta following the airline's decision to terminate negotiations and take a final stand on a collective agreement, now two years overdue, the airline said it was adamant not to allow the ALPA executive committee disrupt the restructuring process.
“The action being taken by ALPA is intended to disrupt the operation of the airline. Air Malta is disappointed that ALPA fails to see the big picture and continues to focus on what is now its own narrow self-interests.
“Over the past few weeks every attempt has been made by the company to convince ALPA that the requests being made by the union were unsustainable and to the detriment of its members, the company and the country at large.
“Air Malta, although not surprised by the attitude adopted by ALPA, is, however, shocked by the position adopted by the union that it has no qualms seeing the company go bankrupt if they are not given what they want.
“To Air Malta’s management and the board of directors this is irresponsible and unprofessional behaviour and can’t be accepted.”
Air Malta said it made what it considered fair and responsible offers to ALPA.
These took into consideration the state of the company and what was negotiated and agreed to with the other three unions representing Air Malta employees.
“ALPA not only refused every offer but changed the goal posts at every meeting. Each offer addressed issues related to what ALPA claims to be conditions that are inadequate in today’s circumstances,” Air Malta said.
ALPA DEMANDS CEO'S RESIGNATION
In a reaction, ALPA said Air Malta has been leasing aircraft on a regular basis for many years.
"Both ALPA and its members have been instrumental in providing leasing opportunities for Air Malta on a number of occasions over the years. ALPA
continues and will continue to support Air Malta’s leasing efforts in the same way that ALPA has facilitated the employment of a number of Air Malta pilots to other airlines in order to reduce significantly the airline’s payroll burden. So as not to disrupt any leasing plans, ALPA has categorically stated that it will continue to honour its existing collective agreement, including those clauses concerning leasing.
"Any suggestion that ALPA is responsible for the sheer incompetence of Air Malta’s higher management in dealing with aircraft leasing is
shocking and dishonest. ALPA remains prepared to operate wet leases immediately, however it appears that the airline is actually unable to accept wet leases because of a lack of flight and cabin crew and as a result of restructuring restrictions by the European Union, which for some reason, to date remain unpublished.
"Air Malta’s management are trying to fool its shareholders and the Maltese public into believing that ALPA is asking for a ridiculous increase in pay. The facts are that ALPA had actually offered to take an increase only after some stability returns to the airline’s finances."
ALPA said that was it was negotiating was 3% pa on the basic wage, in addition to arrears which were still being claimed and a slight increase in the overtime rate or points.
The union said that despite a focused drive by Air Malta’s management to push ALPA into taking industrial action, its members would continue to work according to their contractual obligations and would resist provocation by certain persons in Air Malta’s management as far as possible and until such a time that safety becomes a significant issue.
"The continued mismanagement of Air Malta should be a serious concern for Malta as a whole. It is already clear to those who are involved in the day to day operation of the airline that very little, if any progress has been achieved by the airline’s current management. Except in the area of redundancies which came at a high price. The rebranding Air Malta needs is the sort that sees the replacement of Air Malta’s existing CEO with a fresh brand of airline management," the pilots said.
In its announcement earlier today ALPA said that:
"Certain conditions in the expired collective agreement are inadequate in today's circumstances and therefore, ALPA is insisting that negotiations on a new collective agreement are resumed without any further delay," the union said.
"Until such an agreement is reached between ALPA and Air Malta, pilots have been instructed to continue abiding by their existing agreement."
The union said that no directives to pilots for strike action have been issued and it is not its intention to disrupt flight operations.
"ALPA however warns that crewing limitations in the current agreement are incompatible with certain recently introduced scheduling practices. A shortage of crew at any one time may therefore cause flight delays as has already occurred yesterday evening and may even lead to flight cancellations in the coming weeks."
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Ramon Saguna
Aug 24th 2012, 09:13
ALPA demands the CEO's resignation. It seem to me that he's hitting the nail on its head.
Peter Simpson
Aug 24th 2012, 08:20
Here we go again; Air Malta bank rolled Pn's political programmes for many years costing possible millions; it also lost hundreds of millions with the purchase of Rj's and the Azzura Air, and,' Alla jbierek' no one was held accountable!
Today, the same brazen faced politicians blame the pilots!
B. Cachia
Aug 24th 2012, 07:48
Pilots already earn exotically high salaries, and good luck to them. But they must understand that if they keep insisting on more and more, they will kill this airline, which is being subsidised by ordinary people who earn much less than them. If they do kill it, they'll end up having to move to another country to work for another airline as there are no other Malta-based airlines.
Some common sense and less greed please!
C. Bonnici
Aug 24th 2012, 13:56
B Cachia, I don't know the figures, but it's common sense that pilots should be paid well in par with their peers across Europe. If Air Malta is to employ the best, then it has to pay. But well, Air Malta management would want us to believe exactly what you wrote above. They should instead just issue a report with the details, on: (1) how they calculated current salaries for ALPA members, (2) where the two parties disagree. Of course ALPA should then respond with its own reports. That would be closer to reliable accountability.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 24th 2012, 17:18
Even the CEO should consider reducing his 500000 euros salary with the same reasoning. Do you suggest reducing their package cause it's already below industry standards? By the way this is what management wants with the counter proposals.
Oliver Grech
Aug 24th 2012, 07:21
Given that the Air Malta is of national interest, aren't the salaries earned by pilots of national interest too? Is it possible to know their wages? I have a feeling that we would be in for quite some surprises. Requests of €10million over the collective agreement period seems a lot to me. Nahseb mhux €500 zieda qed jitolbu dawn!!
Mentioning about resignations, what about the Alpha president? Shouldn't he resign too.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 24th 2012, 16:42
I think it's been splashed on the media several times during many disputes to raise antagonism just like yours towards pilots. So I suggest you just click on search. In the mean time why not study your guts out to become one.
Lawrence Fenech
Aug 24th 2012, 06:40
ALPA beware of this government because he only believes in dismantling whatever comes into his hands.
Josephine Muscat
Aug 24th 2012, 06:35
There are times when some employees have to come down to earth. And this is one of those times. If you really have the National Airline at heart then you would keep on negotiating a better deal and not come up with an industrial dispute now. It is definitely not the right time. And it is not as if a pilot lives Oma minimum wage. Discussions of these nature take time and once one agrees to a package one can also agree to back date the package for a number of months if need be. Let us keep our foot on the ground. Just because one is apilot one cannot wake up and have the nerve to leave a plane load of passengers stranded. From people like Dominic Azzopardi I for one expect much better. I do hope that he has not forgotten the famous words of Malta l ewwel u qabel kollox
Henry Mifsud
Aug 24th 2012, 05:47
Logic: If a CUC Malti was employed instead of a few expats, Air Malta would have saved about EUR 2 million in wages. Probably the CUC Malti would not have gone on an expensive trip by spending over another EUR 2 million in the new (futile) branding exercise. The CUC Malti would most definitely not have gone at logger heads with ALPA thus saving another EUR 2.5 million (according to the 'new' management).
So by the CUC Malti logic Air Malta would have no longer been in the red by some EUR 6.5 million. No?
Using two languages on advertising material targeted at the wrong audience simply won't help. Wasting time in coming up with ridiculous excuses won't either.
Quo Vadis Air Malta (literally) ?
R. Abela
Aug 24th 2012, 05:33
The donkey blames his tail, because he is UGLY, while AIRMALTA and GonziPN click , must blame somebody for their fiasco. Azzurra Air, and the RJ70's, never mentioned for the burden of hundres of millions of losses.
C. Bonnici
Aug 24th 2012, 02:17
I agree with Air Malta's management. Seems to me that things can work out. I don't think that the restructuring, including re-branding, are a waste, at all. If anything it helps induce a new mind-set. It is also right that the management holds ALPA responsible. Nonetheless, I feel that Air Malta should give incentives to its pilots. There's nothing wrong about pilots getting good remunerations, if, and when, Air Malta would be back in profitable business.
And as a message from consumer to management: While I've always opted for Air Malta, over its competitors, I do not feel quite comfortable using Air Malta knowing that its pilots are unhappy, and that it's not paying well enough to keep its best pilots. I also feel uncomfortable with anything ending with "...until such a time that safety becomes a significant issue..." Therefore, please, don't be illuded into thinking that you can change the pilots' mind-set at zero cost.
Also, Air Malta's management claims that it is illegal to rebate some of the pilots' salary. I say, illegal should be the fact that Maltese professionals are paid half of the salaries paid in other EU countries, while made to pay double the price on most grocery good, on vehicle ownership, and the rest.
Bottom-line, Air Malta should pay to retain its best pilots.
A Vella
Aug 24th 2012, 01:07
Why splatter these sort of figures, true or not, on the media when negotiations are still taking place. It seems Mr. Davies is at the ropes and trying to bully his way out by intimidating the Pilots using the media.
The progression of the Air Malta statements certainly have been well planned and timed to achieve this.
Intimidation is never justified but even more so in this case. Does this person realise that these people have the lives of at least 180 passengers in their hands each trip they make? They might be professionals, but doesn't he even for a minute stop & think what the repercussions on their state of mind after this whole media karnivalata is going to be like. Safety at it's best!! Well done Air Malta...great way to treat one of your best prized assets.
J Busuttil
Aug 23rd 2012, 23:45
ALPA the first resignation should come from Capt Azzopardi for the Milan blunder as regards to the CEO he is already proving himself.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 23rd 2012, 23:36
"ALPA however warns that crewing limitations in the current agreement are incompatible with certain recently introduced scheduling practices. "
It means that ALPA WANTS to update its flexibility to current realities! So who is saying lies here?
Lino Busuttil
Aug 23rd 2012, 23:24
A battle turned into a war. Dishonesty mixed with unneccessary media battles only make temperatures rise. Articles on a sector of the workforce in a scenerio similar to the financially weak Airmalta only reminds us of certain tactics used to build a cult of blame away from the management. I think this is all due to the secrecy being kept by management on the progress on most revenue and costs issues in the plan raised by ALPA. Lack of open communication with all stakeholders. Allowing this dispute to deepen will only damage the airline's image which has just received a 2 million untimely rebranding exercise.
My appeal is for this industrial dispute to be toned down, media silence to allow a cool down period and serious talks restarted after a while.
There is no time to loose, management should be working on the projects it said must be implemented such continuing revisiting third paty contracts, search leasing opportunities, start on board sales, fleet renewal, new routes and markets, and motivate its workforce. Depriving pilots of basic conditions is a step in the opposite direction.
Mr T Zahra
Aug 23rd 2012, 23:03
Airmalta should consider placing its extra aircraft on Stockholm to make up the shortage of flights in the winter....there are thousands of Scandinavians who would relish a direct flight to get away from the winter darkness....twice a week is more than enough.
Frank Massa
Aug 23rd 2012, 22:56
"Air Malta’s management are trying to fool its shareholders and the Maltese public into believing that ALPA is asking for a ridiculous increase in pay. The facts are that ALPA had actually offered to take an increase only after some stability returns to the airline’s finances."
Did ALPA considered this before last election? No of course not They got away with 20% INCREASE !!! And this was when the company was failing.But do not worry ALPA your leader will get you more after the coming election.. HE WILL GET YOU MY FOOT!!! ........lol
Philip Apap Bologna
Aug 23rd 2012, 22:17
Impressive €2.5 million loss on a lease.
Is that the difference in profit between a dry and wet lease?
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Aug 23rd 2012, 22:06
How long ago was it that ALPA pilots took a cut in their salary so that no industrial workers would be made redundant?
Has everyone forgotten that a number of lower salaried workers were to be sacked and would have been, were it not for the altruistic mood of the pilots at that particular time?
I also believe that pilots pay the exchequer handsomely out of their salaries by way of income tax and National Insurance Contributions and their net pay is not all that great either compared to other airlines.
Management is now saying that ALPA prevented the leasing of another aircraft. Since when does ALPA dictate how company business is run? ALPA even acceded to Air Malta's whim to deny its members paternity leave that had already been agreed upon. I don't define that as an undermining attitude.
No! In my opinion, Air Malta's destiny is already decided; it will be broken up and farmed out. Most of the real estate given to it by Mr Mintoff has been sold (reputedly for €66 million - see http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120215/local/air-malta-to-build-new-head-office.406949)
But, boy oh boy, how I wish it turns out that I am wrong. I don't think so though because I've been watching it coming for years.
Creative-accounting can camouflage a lot but sooner or later, the windows will blow open and the gremlins will fly in.
J Tanti
Aug 23rd 2012, 21:59
Are these few pilots really so important? Can Air Malta give us a comparison of their average salary and that of the average Ryanair pilot?
Wouldn't one be led to think that offering a salary marginally better than the one offered by Ryanair, it would be very easy to tap into a large number of pilots?
M. Cachia
Aug 24th 2012, 16:40
An Airmalta Captain gets at least 35% less than a Ryanair Captain - both based in Malta!
Do you get it!
M
Paul Borg
Aug 23rd 2012, 21:56
Pilots should migrate to Emirates Airlines where they will be welcomed with open arms. Then we will see how much Air Malta is willing to pay for experience well tested foreign pilots. And yet the CEO is a fat cat.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 23rd 2012, 21:25
This new management is making a big mistake. It's pouring down the drain people's money. Why? Because first they spend millions on rebranding to give a better perspective to the airline to look more professional and attractive to the public then immediately after they creat a smear campaign against the most professional group of people within the company, a group that is very conspicuously important for customer confidence in using the airline.
I think in this affair of using the media in this manner the irresponsible and unprofessional body is surely not that of the Pilots and ALPA.
D Borg
Aug 23rd 2012, 21:01
surely at least half a million loss is due to the remuneration being paid to the CEO...
and the other 2 million due to the colourful but no substance rebranding.
ALPA should really consider a buyout , and AirMalta will start registering profits!
Marco Desira
Aug 23rd 2012, 21:00
Prosit to the pilots!!! In true spirit of assisting their employer (our national airline) who by the way has been providing their pay packet for years on end, after in most cases having provided for their training and offered them a great job.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 24th 2012, 17:00
Surely all this ultruism was not done by the year old management who up to now promised a turn around but till today they have nothing to show except same old losses and a lot of procrastination in revenue augmentation projects.
This is a matter of accountability and of who really needs most the long term viability of the airline. Management has always been the temporary visitors to this airline all,they stay is for 3 years and no one will hold them accontable whateverb the results! However the remaining workforce including pilots are the ones who need to save guard a truly successful plan for their long term future.
Are the CEO et al are provoking this trouble to find a reason for their lack of progress after more than a year at the helm? Otherwise why all this washing of dirty linen in public after such a pompous rebranding exercise!.
Sharon Grima
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:56
If anyone Maltese thinks that Mr Davies and co,a foreigner who has proved nothing but a series of bankrupt companies,will do anything better than a Maltese cuc would have done,then we would really deserve to be called laqa Maltin bil-pedigree!Hope those who appointed you,and the rest of your hoard ripping Maltese hard earned euros, will vanish from the Air Malta scene ASAP.o
C Cassar
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:42
Time to bring in pilots from abroad who are happy with a much smaller salary but also provide a much more professional service. Also a good opportunity to bypass the unions, which once again are intent on sabotaging any proactive improvement in any business operatiing in Malta.
M. Cachia
Aug 24th 2012, 16:43
You pay peanuts and you get monkeys!
Your idea does not work in this kind of business!
Lino Busuttil
Aug 24th 2012, 17:10
Yes bring them on :) You should know that in the nineties their presence were one reason why Local pilots got a bit of a decent salary because the foreigners were being paid double the maltese counterparts for the same job in the same company! These are not some pool boys doing summer jobs, sunny weather is not enough for people in this responsible job to do the job for peanuts. Airline are not government departments. Look at the CEO he is paid 10 times our prime minister who is running the whole country!
J jones
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:38
I wonder how Airmalta claim to have "lost" so much money due to ALPA blocking a lease, while at the same time Airmalta also issued a notice to crew saying that the said lease has been cancelled due to the tour operators going bankrupt!!!!!
Anthony Arpa
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:26
Sure many airline will will jump on the occasion to take over Airmalta routes.if Airmalta stop fying. Flight to from italy may can be taken by Alitalia, German routes may be taken by Lufthansa, ect ect ... and the save money spend on Airmalta can make good to reduse our eletricity and water bills.
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 23rd 2012, 21:31
Dream on! If Air Malta went bankrupt, hundreds of people will be out of work and many companies who conduct business with Air Malta will see their bottom line crash. The whole economy will lose. That means that there will be no extra cash to pay for reduced utility rates. Your voodoo economics are laughable!
C. Bonnici
Aug 24th 2012, 02:01
Il-ahwa, now I call such strategy: Genius! So you suggest that Malta would end up with no national airline, just to reduce our electricity and water bills. And then? We have more showers and watch more TV?
James Fenech
Aug 24th 2012, 06:38
Probably the millions the goverment pays Low Cost Airlines will go much further towards your electricity bills. After all most of them just rip you off as soon as you have any luggage.
Air Malta says AL:PA make Air Malta lose 2.5 million whilst Air Malta itself is spending almost that amount to "rebrand" paint their planes
Tony Borg
Aug 24th 2012, 08:07
I am not a KM employee but would not like the idea of loosing KM for a foreign airline to please some local big shot who is now investing in airport operations pleasing the higher.
Who can assure you that you will get cheaper service rates?? Keep hoping!
Julian Borg
Aug 24th 2012, 08:33
You dont seem to understand that we cannot subsidise W&E bills.....besides I dont want my taxes propping up someone who can afford to waste W&E. How very short sighted!!
Tony Ellul
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:48
Mr. Azzopardi, I am sure you are a great competent pilot but surely you cannot claim to have experience in the restructuring of a virtually bankrupt airline. For the sake of all employees employed by the airline and its tourism associates, please look at the big picture and forget about your ego. Your personal goals may be short lived but those of thousands of employees may be at risk thanks to your pathetic actions. Reflect and act responsibly for goodness sake.
A Spiteri
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:18
we need a thatcher to break the arms of these powerful unions!
JOE ZAHRA
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:22
Reminds me of the dark days in England when Thatcher was in charge and we all know what happened to thatcher. She was voted out for 15 years
Mary Ann Borg
Aug 23rd 2012, 23:36
15 years is not that bad Joe Zahra. Lejber here has been 25 years out in the cold here, so Mintoff and KMB must have been much worse than Thatcher.
Gable Porter
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:12
How sweet.
Airmalta is using the press to drive its statements forward when everyone knows that these press releases are studied meticulously before being published and more often than not doctored.
I heard that at the moment Airmalta does not have enough pilots to operate its fleet, and that Airmalta wants a new collective agreement that does away with the safety buffers and push the pilots to the limit, hence working them to maximum limits.
Shameful, other airlines like Ryan Air don't fly at night, whilst airmalta's fleet operates 24hrs a day. What happens if there is tiredness and the safety margin is reduced.
GOD forbid. Read between the lines.
John Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:21
This is news to me.....Flying at night makes an airline less safe.....
Gable Porter
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:26
I read your previous statements below, and i will refrain from commenting about them but it seems you don't read thoroughly.
The issue is:
Fying at night, sleeping at 1000am then working again at 2200 is not the aim of the game.
Do you understand now?
Safety? Tiredness?
Yes?
Franco Attard Trevisan
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:15
what about the 'so as not to pay income tax on part of their earnings, even though this was against the law' part?? is that also for safety reasons??
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 23rd 2012, 21:33
@ John Vella - What? Flying at night makes an airline less safe? Where did you get this gem from?
A Galea
Aug 23rd 2012, 22:44
@Franco Attard Trevisan
The money the company is talking about, is living expenses when be abroad. All airlines do it, they give cash in hand. Like any other company does when sending it's employees abroad for training.
These hypocrites are only twisting the truth.
Like the truth that is was an Air Malta pilot who found a lease and safe guarded at least 24 pilot jobs, earning the company a good sum. They don't say anything about it though.
Jay Oatmon
Aug 23rd 2012, 22:55
Almost all airlines fly at night - it is impossible to fly to the far east without flying at night - flying at night is normal. All airline pilots are expected fly to international regulations - and these have 'safety buffers'.
Air Malta pilots have an easy time of it because they do not fly really long distances - so this safety issue is just a smokescreen (are the pilots like the magistrates with an easy life and they don't want to be disturbed by working as hard as other airline pilots?).
Of course any flight anywhere any time is a risk, so is driving your car.
C Cassar
Aug 23rd 2012, 23:02
@Gable Porter:
That's the most stupid statement I've read on here. Pilots abide by FAA regulations and have strict control over the hours they are in the air. Also, Air Malta does NOT operate 24hrs a day since they don't operate any long haul flights. You need to educate yourself on the very basics of airline operations.
Silvio Abela
Aug 23rd 2012, 18:54
I wonder why no one is mentioning the Avro jets and the Azzurra air fiascoes! I wonder who should pay for those lost millions! I really do.
John Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:19
@Silvio.... And since when do two wrongs make a right?
I Bugeja
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:23
@John Vella... they don't
But since the airline wants heads to roll, these should start from those who made 100's of millions worth of mistake not those that are seeking 10m agreement!
After all... who did the mistake. I am sure someone who is close to the ministry and who is elected in every board of the country.
Peter Murray
Aug 23rd 2012, 18:30
How many millions the taxpayer has lost because of the bumbling incompetents that have persistently occupied the Air Malta boardroom is anybody's guess
victor caruana
Aug 23rd 2012, 18:20
You mean AlPA saved air malta 2.5 million euros....probably it would have ended similar to the avroliners lunacy.
C Sant
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:27
It is leasing of airmalta planes to the airlines, so it is money gained not lost!
mark johnson
Aug 23rd 2012, 18:10
This is one big nose they are going to have trouble getting out of the trough.
Jay Oatmon
Aug 23rd 2012, 18:10
ALPA is trying to hold Air Malta to ransom, basically the same scenario as the drydocks situation years ago - it will end in the hard nosed union causing Air Malta to fail like the drydocks.
The pilots should consider this - there are many out of work commercial pilots in Europe right now, so they are not indispensable.
Gable Porter
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:13
Hi Jay,
Read my comments above. The issue is not about money at all it seems.
Its deeper than that.
Robert Pace Bonello
Aug 23rd 2012, 17:41
Well done.
Now let us wreck it once and for all.
John Attard
Aug 23rd 2012, 17:31
mr Davies should sack each and eveery pilot coming late or not turning up at all with immediate effect
Franco Attard Trevisan
Aug 23rd 2012, 18:44
then what?? who will fly the planes?? Pilots know they can find another job any time...
P. Zammit
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:01
@Franco Attard Trevisan.... Then why don't they leave ?
T Mifsud
Aug 23rd 2012, 19:21
John Attard, I agree. But as I know from people in Air Malta, they are always going to work on time and never late. Apparently the question is that they are following the agreement to the letter. The Air Malta threw the stone on its foot because it has now eliminated flexibility
A. Mifsud
Aug 23rd 2012, 21:28
@ P. Zammit
Leave??? They won't!!
They won't find any other airline in Europe who will pay them as much + perks.
Joseph Agius
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:58
....so short sighted.....do they know that Joseph might inherit a bankrupt airline thanks to them? .... a very nice future indeed!
stephen debono
Aug 23rd 2012, 18:39
The airline is already bankrupt thanks to past bad decisions that nationalist governments took in the past years, decisions that the maltese pilots were always against .
Tarcisio Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:55
Come on Mr. Dominic Azzopardi..... It is high time you advise the pilots the way forward to put Air Malta on the right footing. Taxpayers can no longer pump in taxes so that Air Malta personnel can enjoy past priviliges.
Practically, all the arlines are understanding, why not Air Malta personnel.
At least, make us Maltese continue to be proud to fly on Air Malta flights which are second to none.
GL Calleja
Aug 23rd 2012, 17:22
You don't fly much do you?
Fran Abela
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:45
Why am I not surprised ?
John Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:35
What a coincidence. And who is behind this industrial dispute? Of course, the same person who heads the association.The one who left an airplane full of passengers waiting for him and his family in Milan's airport to return on board.
One should be arrogant to leave an airplane full of passengers waiting for him and even more arrogant for holding the airline at ransom for publicly saying that they will be investigating this event.
The thing is that Capt. Azzopardi will not be the one paying for the airline's annual loss. In such case the government have to foot the bill.
Capt Azzopardi should know that in the real world when a company is loosing money, it either stops trading or the management together with its employees will find the way to save its financial situation.
Dora Smith
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:33
Personal Experience
October 2006 Airmalta flight Rome - Malta 1hr 35 minutes delay 45 of these minutes waiting on the plane waiting for a speaker of the house to board the plane.
November 2006 direct flight Amsterdam - Malta ... stop over unannounced ..... 2 MPs and their entourage 10 altogether board the plane.
Wrong but whats new .... been happening for ages
GL Calleja
Aug 23rd 2012, 17:21
That is why the government has no business of owning and running an airline. This is a very different case because Mr Azzoppardi is an employee of the airline and he knows the rules. If you want to argue the point. He was traveling on what we call a pass or reduced rate afforded to him and his family by the airline. He was Not traveling on official business, not that it would have mattered. Mr Azzoppardi or the flight captain overstepped their boundaries and they must face the music that follows. Captain Azzoppardi should be thinking about resigning from President of Alpa. It is the right thing to do.
James Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:31
Mr.John Vella
If you are serious about your comment, I think that you don't bother about the economy of your country. Low cost airline like Ryanair is treatens governments of countries like ours, it either has it their way or else leave, apart for treating their passengers cheap.
I am a faithfull customer of Airmalta, I book with this airline when ever it is possible. I honestly hate Ryanair for its nasty tactics, but I felel that the time has come for the government to privetise Airmalta, although I personally am against the privetisation of the airline. The time for bullish aptitude in the economic environment them we are living cannot be tollerated due to tough competition around us. It is irresponsable from ALPA in peak season to take such measures SHAME ON YOU ALPA
GL Calleja
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:42
I think the only winners in all this are Mr Davies and his Merry Men, who no matter what the outcome is they will be laughing all the way to the bank at the Maltese Tax Payers expense. Bunch of CWIEC? Are you listening Tonio Fenech?
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:25
I reiterate that my perception is that Air Malta is destined to be broken up into small segments and the viable parts will be sold to the chosen few. The rest will be written off at taxpayers' expense.
This is what seems to have happened wherever Mr Davies was tillerman. At AirMalta also, he has been given the job of hatchet-man.
ALPA is now playing into his hands and will be vested with part of the blame when it happens. He, in turn, will laugh all the way to the bank.
Just look at the history and come to your own conclusions. Start here if you want...
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120221/local/eu-raises-doubts-on-air-malta-compensatory-measures-for-justify-state-aid.407869
Charles Zammit
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:23
" May even lead to flight cancellations in the coming weeks " Alpa warns , hope it will not lead to flight cancellations period .!!
Carmel Ellul
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:22
This is the same move the late Lorry Sant did at the Malta Drydocks to shoot down the nationalist government of the time.
Labour won the election and the drydocks employees were made to go back to work without any of the increments they had struck for six month.
The rest is history that cost a billion euros in subsidies to the yard before it was closed down.
before that infamous strike , the docks were turning a profit.
Albert Critien
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:11
Even a long established airline like Qantas has registered a loss of $256 million for the last quarter, which is no joke, ALPA tread carefully and avoid unnecessary nonsense
Peter Murray
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:02
This delay makes the one in Milan pale into insignificance
John Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:57
The government should start talks with Ryanair, Easyjet and the other low costs airlines to take over Air Malta's routes just in case!
David Hill
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:24
I wonder if Ariva do Airlines?
Franco Attard Trevisan
Aug 23rd 2012, 18:48
@ David Hili
I sure do hope they don't.... well over a thousand accidents in a year or so... NO THANK YOU!
mark borg
Aug 24th 2012, 07:28
e iva ...kif jista jkun pajjiz li jidependi fuq it turizmu jorbot fuq low cost ???? u jhekk dawn jidecidu li jwaqfu il kuntratt ?? min se jgibhom min certu postijiet lit turisti u nies ??? mela ma nkunx pappagalli pls .
Victor Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:53
Well, let's put it this way, a delay can be caused by many factors like for example waiting for a passenger,
Joseph M Scicluna
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:02
..............a very important passenger you mean ??
A Camilleri
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:24
A privileged passenger and his privileged family and his privileged friends ......that's not you or me!!!
GL Calleja
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:32
Mr Vella get real. There is a big difference between delaying a flight for a full paying passenger and delaying a flight for a non paying employee and his family for a half hour. Any airline employee can explain why that is a no no. That captain crossed the line and that is all there is to it. Nobody is above the law.
Joe Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:44
the Government did one hell off a mistake. The Government should have lett Air |Malta go Belly up and started anew. This way a new new Airlines could start a fresh without the burden of those who are kaking it impossible for Air Malta to survive.
Dora Smith
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:25
The Government should be responsible to take responsibility on the sorry state airmalta has found itself following irresponsible decisions taken by the same irresponsible politically appointed persons.
Anthony Arpa
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:40
Maybe Alpa are looking foward to give the final blow to kill Airmalta completely . The Goverment must be well prepare with other Airlines that will be ready to take over Airmalta Routes away if this company will close down ...
Michael Borg
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:22
Gonzi just get rid of airmalta and it s employees !!!
jason cassar
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:47
ax tfaqqa subajk u ssib il pilots eh ??
victor caruana
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:52
Who is Gonzi?
Does he enjoy any legitimacy now, given his fractured government and total loss of credibility?
Gonzi, go home and let other more competent carry on with the work by starting to pick the left overs you will leave behind.
Paul Borg
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:58
Yeay and bring in China air or samalia air...they should do for your taste ha ?
Joseph M Scicluna
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:05
Come on, be reasonable. Air Malta employees are breadwinners like other workers. Let's hope that a solution be found for the benefit of our own country.
mark borg
Aug 24th 2012, 07:12
haha ha very soon the employees of airmalta would for part of the ones that will be getting rid of your gonzi...so michael enjoy riding the gravy train while it lasts (6 months max)
Anthony Farrugia
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:10
ALPA (headed by Dominic Azzopardi http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120821/local/Air-Malta-evidence-flight-was-held-for-pilots-chief.433740 ) getting its own back. How petty minded ! And putting other Air Malta employees jobs at risk !
GL Calleja
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:06
I honestly hope that this has nothing to do with the investigation of the ALPA President delaying a flight at Milan Airport for 30 minutes to wait for him and his family. There is a time and a place and Air Malta cannot afford work stoppage or any threats by ALPA at this time. May I remind ALPA that Summer is almost over and the passenger loads will be diminishing slowly and surely. Sooner or later Air Malta will have to be sold or privatized and these pilots will need a job, it is a matter of time because Air Malta cannot keep charging the high fares and be competitive with other airlines. Stop wasting the TAX PAYERs money.
Joseph Tabone
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:02
Is this the begining of the end? God forbid!
Victor Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:55
How can ALPA take seriously the management of Air Malta? There is money to exploit at Air Malta. Why spending 2meuros for the silly graffiti at the aircraft tails? Why spending nearly 1 million euors for changing uniforms that brought Air Malta employees like waiters? How can Air Malta make such expenses when its current liabilities are nearly four times those of current assets? It is also the priority of Air Malta to divest from non-core operating activities . In the last Director`s report that ended 31March 2012 the ground handling operations is mentioned to be divested from Air Malta`s current operations. Air Malta financial liquidity is still in the red. But how can the pilots believe in Davies & Co when he himself will be earning more that 3 million euros by 2013? If there is money to give to foreigners, why there is no money to give to the pilots?
Joe Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:53
Victor, that is part of the cost to remain in Business. Any airline cannot remain static and from time to time need to re-brand itself, Period. The Airline industry today is not the same as it was in the '7o's and the '8o's; it is more competitive today and there are new players today -- low cost Airlines. Also the cost of OIl is over the $100.. per barrel and not around $20.00 or less.
Victor Vella
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:56
How can you take seriously a person who is supposed to be a responsible person putting his own interest before that of the company he works with, and jeopardizing the position of his friend.Is this the way that your party wants to run Malta if God forbid you win the elections?
George Cutajar
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:55
Is this a way of putting pressure on management after the recent delay on the Milan trip which is still subject to investigation?
Now that the company seems to be finding it's feet thanks to the sacrifice of one and all at Air Malta here come ALPA creating waves. Truly irresponsible action.
Does it now mean that we would better not take any risks of delays and book our flights with competitor airlines?
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:24
I think you have got it wrong and are determined to undermine ALPA's president. It seems that now it is Ok for delays caused by Air Malta's lack of providing the right amount of cabin crew - as happened last night. Any comments George on this situation, i.e. delays caused by lack of cabin crew as decided by Air Malta?
You know, this witch hunt against mr Azzopardi is so typical of GonziPN - remember what you did to Harry Vassallo, Cyrus Engerer, Astrid Vella and so many others who GonziPn decided to punish?
Mariano Scerri
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:46
Sure Mr Camilleri - you're not the one to talk about character assassination!! And just because you're one of the Labour elves continuously posting anti-PN posts, doesn't make what Domenic Azzopardi did justifiable!
Grow up and stop spitting what you're fed - call a spade a spade!
Joe Mallia
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:53
Labour just can't have this government succeed in something hence it keeps putting spanners in the works . I do not want my taxes to keep on being wasted on these people.
Amante Reale
Aug 23rd 2012, 16:01
What does Labour have to do with this case?
Damian Testa
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:53
ALPA are fine ones to talk of flight delays when their very president abusively kept a planeload of passengers waiting on board for half an hour when he was late for his flight.
Peter Bonnici
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:52
In the spirit of the moment, Air Malta should do a Mintoff - suspend the pilots and bring in foreign strike breakers.
T Mifsud
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:09
I wonder how Mintoff would have taken your advice on a GWU general strike
H. Galea (NRK)
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:24
Very well put Mr Bonnici - stop this monkey business, the Country cannot afford this sabotage-like action - get the foreigners in and invite the brave 'locals' to go fishing !
What kind of seriousness is this ? to choose to inconvenience a whole planeload of passangers for a whole half hour or so, just to accomodate His Majesty Mr so & so & family ! Kemm ahna sbieh ... min jaf jarana !!!
Mr John Borg
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:50
Is this Alpa's president's way of getting back at Air Malta for investigating him when he delayed the Milan flight?
T Mifsud
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:07
...probably the other way round Mr Borg!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:25
I do not think so - but then, on the other hand if Air Malta wants to play dirty, why cannot ALPA do the same?
H. Galea (NRK)
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:57
Was the pilot Dominic Azzopardi suspended on the spot on arrival ? If not, who was responsible for failing to take this indicated step ?
J jones
Aug 23rd 2012, 17:33
Suspend a passenger!! Good one.
Charles Micallef
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:46
A shortage of crew at any one time may therefore cause flight delays as has already occurred yesterday evening and may even lead to flight cancellations in the coming weeks."
What will be so different from the constant and present day delays that KM passengers are facing?
mark johnson
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:38
Instead of pumping 20 million a year into Air Malta, why not let it go bust and invest the 20 million in a new airline?
T Mifsud
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:07
...because otherwise it would lose all the precious slots such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Rome worth many many millions each.
E Schembri
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:29
That should have been done last year before our useless government spent €100 million of Maltese taxes to bail out AM. To add insult to injury, we were informed that €1million went on new uniforms and €2million on a graffiti paint job, as if any of these will boost AM sales.
I guess we never learn, and this is what you get when the government uses public funds to look pretty with voters. One thing for sure, it lost my vote.
I expect the government to make better use of my hard earned taxes such as fixing some of the road infrastructure and more police enforcement.
A Spiteri
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:39
Because a new airline requires HUNDREDS of millions to be set up.
vincent Lia
Aug 23rd 2012, 15:50
The government is being left with only one choice and that is to get rid of Air Malta alltogether. Air Malta cannot be kept running with people that hold other people at ransom. Do the same as Margaret Thatcher did to the coal miners.
Frank Massa
Aug 23rd 2012, 14:34
ALPA always moaning What about the other workers Their last coll agreement was about six years ago or more !!!!
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