Earlier this year the Airline Pilots’ Association instructed its members not to wear their jacket, tie or cap to work. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The pilots’ union has lifted a directive it issued to its members in August and asked them to report to work in full uniform, in reaction to the appointment of Louis Giordimaina as designate CEO of Air Malta.

The Airline Pilots’ Association had instructed its members to dress down – not to wear their jacket, tie or cap – in an industrial dispute with Air Malta over several issues, including taxation of an early retirement scheme.

During the summer the union had also complained about what it claimed was a shortage of pilots, leading to crew fatigue, although Air Malta always insisted the complement was large enough to cover requirements.

In a statement issued yesterday congratulating Mr Giordimaina on his appointment, Alpa said it would now like to start afresh.

It called on all pilots to report in full uniform from today.

“Although several pending issues have not been solved, Alpa Malta is convinced that, together with the new designate CEO, an acceptable solution to both parties will be found.

“Alpa looks forward to working with Mr Giordimaina to guarantee a sustainable and profitable airline while also respecting the conditions of employment of its members.”

Mr Giordimaina will be taking over from Peter Davies, who was appointed by the former Nationalist government to oversee the airline’s restructuring.