The Nationalist Party has called on the governemnt to be open about its plans for Air Malta and about the airline’s situation.

Spokesman Robert Arrigo said recent remarks about the airline’s financial performance and plans for partial privatisation had created uncertainty, not least among the workers.

He asked if parts of the airline would be privatised, and which parts these would be.

Mr Arrigo said funds were being squandered because of promises made by Labour before the general election. A number of promotions given in the past few months had cost the airline an additional €250,000, he said.

Political interference in the airline was also shown by the fact that the chairman herself had said that she reported directly to the Office of the Prime Minister.