Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning that the government was not planning any part-privatisation of Air Malta 'at this stage'.

Replying to questions during a press conference on a reduction of the prices of gas and petrol, Dr Muscat  said the EU deal for the airline's restructuring would be followed until completion.

He said his comparison yesterday between the airline and Enemalta (which some took to mean possible Chinese investment in the airline) was on the basis of Air Malta being able to be a contributor to the economy.

Just as Enemalta was being turned around, Air Malta was also being turned around, Dr Muscat said and the government wanted to see an expansion of its route network once the revamp agreed with the EU was completed. Air Malta, he said, could become a regional player.

Part-privatisation was not planned at this moment, he said.