The Air Malta pilots union, ALPA-Malta, said it was disappointed that the national airline’s fleet renewal plans were never discussed, nor divulged, with any employee representatives.

It said it was unfortunate that while Air Malta presented its plans to third parties, such as the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, it failed to do the same with its own employees and their representatives.

The union added that it was also worrying that, after years of restructuring plans and management changes, including the employment of various foreign consultants, the best plan Air Malta could come up with was a fleet reduction.

It said such a plan was already on the table way back in 2010 and it was immediately shot down by most stakeholders involved.