The Airline Pilot’s Association Malta (ALPA Malta) has called on the 
European Commission to consider Air Malta's particular situation and its importance for the national economy when it decides on conditions for the airline's restructuring plan.

In an eight-page document, ALPA Malta highlighted a number of disadvantages that Air Malta and the economy suffer as a consequence of Malta being an island nation situated on the fringe of Europe.

The association said the commission's conditions for the restructuring programme should be  fair and proportionate.

ALPA president Captain Dominic Azzopardi said that  before any compensatory measures such as a forced reduction in routes are imposed on Air Malta, consideration must first be given to a number of
disadvantages that result from Air Malta’s particular market location and the airline’s size.

He said that since Air Malta is primarily committed to the Maltese economy, the airline serves routes that are more costly to operate especially as a result of the relatively small and seasonal markets. The airline has limited flexibility having only one base which is situated far from Europe’s main hubs.

ALPA argued that forcing Air Malta to reduce its routes would only make the Airline more vulnerable. Furthermore, in the case of a European regional island nation such as Malta, any additional restrictions that may be imposed by the Commission may ultimately further hinder the free movement of people, goods and services within the Union and would therefore go against the primary objectives of the European Union charter.

"The imposition of unduly harsh or unreasonable compensatory measures on Air Malta Plc will have a negative effect on the economic and social progression of Malta and its economy," ALPA warned.