Air Malta is planning a change in its fleet as it announced yesterday the appointment of a Chief Officer Strategic Fleet Review.

Capt. Laurence Gatt, currently chief flight operations officer, was appointed to the post working under the direction of Chief Executive Peter Davies, the airline said yesterday.

“Air Malta’s major restructuring efforts, aimed at returning the airline back to profitability, entail over 160 projects spanning all areas of the company.”

Part of these efforts includes the review and eventual selection of a fleet of aircraft that can provide the most cost effective and comfortable means of flying passengers.

Air Malta’s aircraft leases are due for renewal in the coming years and the airline needs to be in the best possible strategic position to take advantage of modern aircraft and engine technology, the airline said.

The new breed of jet engines can save between 15 and 18 per cent in fuel costs, which means that at current rates Air Malta can save around €10-12 million each year on fuel.

Additional improvements are expected to include a more environmentally friendly fleet, improved seat comfort and the use of lighter in-flight materials that also help to reduce the airline’s fuel costs.

In this role Capt. Gatt will lead that review and recommend to the management and the board a strategic fleet direction for Air Malta.

Mr Davies said, “Capt. Gatt’s extensive technical and operational experience makes him perfectly suited to the requirements of this new position.”