In a veiled jibe at the expensive chiefs running Air Malta, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday said he was still waiting for its restructuring results.

Dr Muscat made the remark during a meeting with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association at Castille.

“There were people who were paid half a million each... we rest our case and now it’s a matter of us waiting for them to hand us the results,” Dr Muscat said.

But the Prime Minister’s weighted words were played down by Air Malta CEO Peter Davies, who insisted the five-year restructuring plan was on track.

If anything, the Prime Minister’s words are an endorsement that we are on track

“If anything, the Prime Minister’s words are an endorsement that we are on track and he is looking forward to the results, like we all are,” Mr Davies said when asked by Times of Malta whether the remarks were a sign of mistrust in his leadership.

“I don’t read anything negative into his comments at all,” he said.

Mr Davies said the national airline’s restructuring plan was currently in its third year.

Achievements had to be judged over the five-year period, he added.

“More importantly, we are financially on track to achieve the desired results,” he said.

Mr Davies was engaged by the previous administration on a salary of €500,000 to see through an ambitious restructuring plan that was agreed with the European Commission.

The airline had to be saved from near-bankruptcy by the Government three years ago but rescue money was only allowed under EU rules on the back of a massive restructuring exercise that saw Air Malta shed hundreds of jobs.

The rescue plan agreed with the EU provided for further Government assistance aimed at helping the airline eventually turn a profit.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com