AirMalta Debate

		David Agius (PN) said that whoever had said in the past that Air Malta was a leaden bird had been mistaken and had shown lack of vision. He said the national airline must focus on the advantages which made it different to others and use its assets in the best possible way.
Was it using IT in the best way? Greater linkage between Air Malta and Malta Tourism Authority offices and embassies overseas could cut costs and achieve better results. One area in which Air Malta could possibly do better was in helping people with special needs travel overseas on special fares. It also needed to beef up its frequent-flyer programme with more attractive benefits. A lot of work needed to be done regarding prices and marketing because the general perception was of high prices, which was not necessarily the truth. The national airline's image also needed to be improved. Its new fleet would go some way towards achieving this. Mr Agius said Air Malta needed to be defended through effective advertising, development and research. Rather than just core operations, it would do well to cut its losses on its subsidiaries, selling them off if necessary. It had made a good deal recently with the sale of MedIsle Holidays accommodation in Bugibba. He augured that the forthcoming discussions with the unions representing Air Malta's 2,000 employees would identify what was doing well and whatever needed to be pruned.