Air Malta is refusing to say whether it consulted Brussels over the airline’s decision to reduce its fleet even though the European Commission warned against such a measure in 2011.

Describing its fleet reduction plan as a “temporary measure”, the national carrier last week announced it will start operating a fleet of just seven aircraft as from winter, going up to eight in summer. The company’s aim is to reduce its aircraft leasing costs by some €8 million a year.

The plan was immediately shot down by unions representing pilots and cabin crew, who insist it will not work.

It is understood that the plan announced last week was already being contemplated by the airline during discussions on its five-year restructuring plan in 2011.

However, the Commission has deemed that a fleet of less than 10 aircraft could compromise the airline’s commercial viability. It was so adamant on this point that it even included it in the letter it sent to the government over the agreed restructuring plan.

Read more in The Sunday Times of Malta.