Dave Kaye has been appointed interim managing director of Arriva Malta for six months as managing director Keith Bastow is unable to continue in his role because of ill health, the company said.

Mr Kaye will be responsible for overseeing the operations and development of the 285-bus business as part of the 10-year contract Arriva began operating in July 2011.

Business development director Arriva Mainland Europe Piers Marlow thanked Mr Bastow for his dedication and commitment throughout his time in Malta and wished him a speedy recovery.

"While the circumstances are difficult, we are pleased to have secured someone of Dave's calibre and I welcome him to Arriva. He brings with him a wealth of public transport and operations experience which will be vital as we focus strongly on delivering quality bus services for our customers in Malta.

"Working alongside myself, our partners Tumas Group and Transport Malta, Dave will help to continue to guide our Maltese business, and ensure we continue to build on the good progress we have made since starting operations last summer."

Mr Kaye said he looked forward to playing his part and making a difference in Malta over the next six months. "Working with the team and our partners to deliver the frequent, reliable bus services the people of Malta deserve is at the top of my list. The bus network underpins the island's economy and we want to both develop and consolidate what is already in place and address those areas where we can change things for the better."

Mr Kaye, 48, joins Arriva with 30 years' experience in the transport industry, having held a number of senior bus and rail positions - most recently as managing director for National Express Group's UK Bus Division and prior to that, chief operating officer for First Group. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Institute of Railway Operators.