The Maltese islands are set to have a new national airline by the end of this year, replacing what we currently know as Air Malta.

This was confirmed by Air Malta’s chairman, as he told Times of Malta that the transition from the current national airline to the restructured company will be a seamless one for employees. 

David Curmi expressed how they were finally at the tail end of some complex and difficult discussions with the European Commission, where they stressed that they did not want a photocopy of the current national airline.

This also comes after failed negotiations with the EC regarding €290 million in financial aid for the struggling company.

While employees currently working with Air Malta will be laid off, they will have the opportunity to reapply with the newly formed company.

Curmi also explained how the new airline will have its own booking platform and tickets will be sold there.

Meanwhile, Air Malta will continue operations until the very end when the new airline will take over, with Curmi expressing that in this way, they’re anticipating that the transition will be largely seamless.

What do you make of this news?