The end of the dispute between Air Malta and its cabin crew over the replacement of their on-board ‘healthy meal’ with a ‘baguette’ sandwich came about after the company offered flight attendants a cut of in-flight sales, Times of Malta can reveal.

Sources at the national carrier said the Union of Cabin Crew lifted its industrial action last week after receiving assurances from the airline that cabin staff would start receiving a five per cent commission on sales of food and other items purchased by passengers.

“This is similar to what already happens on low-cost airlines,” the sources said, referring to airlines such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet.

At the beginning of the year, Air Malta – which is trying to cut costs – stopped offering free hot meals on board and started giving a bread roll to passengers instead. Passengers who want more from in-flight catering now have to pay for it.

The union argued that this was in breach of their collective agreement, which entitled crews to a healthy, suitable meal during flights. It ordered the crew not to sell any snacks or drinks on board.

Times of Malta can confirm that cabin staff have now accepted the baguette in exchange for their new commission.

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