I am a frequent visitor to this pleasant island and am married to a part-Maltese wife. I wanted to make a reality check on the Air Malta pilots’ issue.

My first point is about salaries on the island and I am sure the pilots’ average earnings of €93,000 is above the island’s norm. I have no doubt it does not compare well with some European or international airlines but, then, Malta is a small European island in the Mediterranean.

Its equivalents in other EU countries benefit from economies of scale because of their geographical location on the continent and international hubs.

Secondly, Air Malta should consider working through hubs. All airlines fly into their hubs and then feeder carriers take the passengers to their final destination. Air Malta could be a part of this by joining one of the airline alliances, such as Star Alliance.

That would mean that Air Malta need only have a presence at the major airline hubs providing for the tourists who travel to Malta. Star Alliance spans many continents and includes many international airlines located across Europe, North/South America and the Asia regions.

My third point is that I don’t quite follow the logic of partnering with Alitalia.

The airline has been in financial difficulties for a long time. The Italian economy is not so strong and the unions appear to have a strong hold.

Finally, let me remind Air Malta of Cyprus Airways. There are comparisons that can be drawn between the two airlines, except one.

Today, Cyprus Airways no longer exists.