Air Malta’s decision to stop serving free hot snacks to economy passengers has led to layoffs by the catering company supplying in-flight meals.

Sky Gourmet Malta Limited CEO, Arthur Gauci, confirmed yesterday the company had been forced to downsize its workforce in the wake of the carrier’s decision.

In a one-line reply, Mr Gauci said the number of employees was cut from 145 to 100.

As from the beginning of the new year, economy passengers on all Air Malta routes are being given a small baguette and a half-litre bottle of water. Club Class passengers, on the other hand, are benefitting from an improved menu, according to Air Malta.

Hot snacks are available to economy passengers at a charge.

The decision attracted criticism, especially by customers who had booked to fly Air Malta prior to the announcement about the changes in in-flight catering services.

A significant number said next time they would switch to a low-cost carrier since the lower in-flight service had not been accompanied by cheaper air fares by Air Malta.

The national carrier the move would mean a saving of about €4 million every year.

The number of employees was cut from 145 to 100

The airline halved its losses to €16 million in the financial year ended March 2014 and is projecting similar losses for this year. This cast doubts on the airline’s restructuring plan agreed with Brussels, through which it has to return to the black by not later than next year.

The changes in the in-flight menu service have also sparked an industrial dispute with the cabin crew as Air Malta is being accused of breaching the collective agreement.

The Union of the Cabin Crew is arguing that its members are entitled to “suitable meals” and not the baguette and water being offered to economy passengers. Cabin crew have been instructed not to offer the trolley service, selling soft drinks, chocolates, coffee and tea, crisps and light snacks.