It has been rumored for a few weeks that Air Malta and Malta MedAir could be dissolved. A start-up, for which the name Air Valletta is circulating, could take over assets from MedAir and then take off as a new national carrier. So far, the government hasn't really let the cat out of the bag.

Malta's Finance Minister Clyde Caruana makes no secret of the fact that Air Malta will not continue as it is now. He stressed during an event hosted by the Times of Malta that tough reforms are needed to have a profitable national carrier. The member of the government considers this to be particularly important, as tourism is an important pillar of the Maltese economy.

The finance minister also admitted what had long been considered an open secret in the island state. For many years, Air Malta has hired staff at high wages even though there was no work for them. The company is considered "overstaffed". However, this should only be the tip of the iceberg, because in many areas the carrier would literally burn the money. Caruana put the sum at around “40 to 45 million per year”. You can't be profitable that way.

The finance minister also criticized the fact that the fleet was far too little in the air. The standing times on the ground would be too long. You have to look for more routes or additional charter orders in order to use the machines more efficiently. He also believes that agreements with unions that allow early-retired workers to continue to receive two-thirds of their final salary should be scrapped.

Caruana did not want to say what the future of Air Malta actually looks like. It is therefore completely open as to whether a greatly reduced Air Malta will continue, Malta MedAir will take over the role of the national carrier or a possible Air Valletta based on MedAir assets will succeed it. When asked by a journalist when everything should be in place, Malta's finance minister replied: "By the end of this year".