Pilots Took Action After KM Malta Cut Short Promotion Deal Talks
Pilots at KM Malta Airlines voted in favour of industrial action after the airline unexpectedly halted discussions on a side agreement aimed at addressing growing concerns over promotion prospects and flight crew planning. Last week, the Airline Pilots’ Association (ALPA) informed the company about an industrial dispute and its intention to implement work to rule directives from Monday.
ALPA’s proposal, which it presented to the company a month ago, relates to establishing what it views as a clear and fair pathway for first officers to progress to captain. It also included secondary provisions around injury leave and temporary operational arrangements, but the central issue appears to be career progression and staffing stability.
At present, many of the airline’s first officers are still working towards the 5,000 flying hours required to qualify for command. Typically, pilots can only begin command training once they have logged at least 2,500 hours. The latest issue is the result of a decision taken during the airline’s transition from Air Malta, to offer generous early retirement packages to its most senior cockpit crew. Those pilots signed definite contracts to remain on board during the transition, which are now expiring. The company now needs to ensure it has enough captains to operate its summer schedule and is understood to be seeking experienced first officers to promote quickly to command.
The union has objected to this approach, arguing that it sidelines the airline’s existing first officers and risks leaving them stuck in long-term career limbo. Airlines only need a limited number of captains, and unless there is a plan to cycle them out regularly, any new appointments could delay or block promotion opportunities for years to come.
ALPA’s proposal, as understood by this newsroom, was for the airline to hire captains directly for a fixed period rather than bring in external first officers and fast-track them to command. This would allow KM Malta to meet its short-term operational needs without closing the door on internal career progression.
Throughout June and early July, union representatives held discussions with KM Malta management, including meetings with executive chairman David Curmi, however, sources said the airline abruptly ended talks without explanation and withdrew from any further engagement.
The current industrial action – which includes strict adherence to duty rosters and procedural measures, which could slow down operations – was initiated shortly after the breakdown in talks. The timing has raised concerns within the wider tourism industry, which relies heavily on KM Malta’s ability to deliver consistent flight schedules during the peak summer season.
Meanwhile, attention has been drawn to the cost of the early retirement scheme that was negotiated with the government. A recent Times of Malta report revealed that nearly €74 million will be paid out to 96 pilots over four years. Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has described pilots as greedy as a result suggesting they now want more than they have already agreed to.
While some of the pilots who have agreed to early retirement might be open to the possibility of staying on for a few more years, sources said there is little to suggest that the current union stance is driven by financial interests. On the contrary, some of those eligible for the payout are said to be eager to take the money they’ve agreed to and move on.
Separately, the company has also threatened legal action over what it claims is a breach of contract related to the non-use of SkyBreathe, a fuel management software system introduced earlier this year.
On Friday, KM Malta communicated to ALPA that it would be initiating legal action over the system not being used. ALPA has strongly denied issuing any such directive and said the software had never been formally introduced or accompanied by procedural guidelines.
KM Malta Airlines did not respond to a requests for comment.
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