An industrial dispute between Air Malta's Union of Cabin Crew and the government is close to being conclusively resolved following a late-night agreement, the two parties have announced. 

In a joint statement, both sides said the agreement they had reached ensured the government, cabin crew, other Air Malta workers and the airline itself were well-looked after. 

The government, represented by Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis, thanked the UCC for its cooperation throughout the talks. It also thanked President Emeritus George Abela, Air Malta chairwoman Maria Micallef and the airline's Chief Officer HR Roberto Cristiano for their hard work.

On its end, the UCC had particular thanks for its lawyer Ian Spiteri Bailey. "This is the first step," the union noted in the statement, "and the union looks forward to concluding the final agreement to safeguard its members' interests."

The UCC had announced work-to-rule measures on Friday following failure to obtain written, unqualified assurances from the government that all cabin crew jobs would be maintained without pay reductions in a restructured Air Malta.