The state-run Air Malta is up to its neck.

The coronavirus pandemic is leaving a crater in the aviation industry. And although the vaccination campaigns are progressing, demand from the airlines remains at a low level. This is also the case with the national airline based in Luqa. The pandemic hits the carrier with full force: As Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced at a press conference, Air Malta is losing over 170.000 euros - every day! In the current constitution, it would only take a few weeks for the company to run out of liquidity reserves. That is why the government will immediately take all necessary steps to keep the airline alive, reports the Times of Malta. "We will do everything in our power to support Air Malta in this unprecedented crisis," continued Caruana. To do this, the archipelago will probably have to make a higher double-digit million amount this year. And as quickly as possible. 

That is why the government representatives are also urging the European Commission to act quickly. Because it would ultimately depend on the approval from Brussels. This is probably only a matter of form. Because in the last few months there has been the green light for all state aid to various airlines. AUA sister Brussels Airlines was awarded almost 300 million euros by the Belgian government. Even the billion dollar aid package to the French Air France was waved through by the Brussels authority. Under normal circumstances, this money would never have flowed in the absence of approval. Current regulations prohibit financial support in order to ensure a level playing field. Due to the devastating economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the EU Commission is temporarily suspending the application of these provisions.