A new acting chief executive of Air Malta has been named to succeed current boss Philip Micallef who is leaving after two years.
Joseph Galea has more than 30 years’ experience in the travel industry and has been deputy chief commercial officer for the airline for two years.
He was previously international marketing for the Malta Tourism Authority based in Germany.
Micallef deacribed his two-year term at Air Malta as “very challenging and interesting” as it looks to secure a strategic partnership.
Alitalia is being tipped to take a 49% stake in Air Malta.
“Thanks to the commitment and hard work of my management colleagues and all the staff we have managed to exit the EU restructuring plan and the airline is finally back on the road to profitability,” said Micallef.
“The company is now entering a new and exciting phase of growth and moving closer towards the conclusion of the talks with the strategic partner.
“I have worked very closely with Joseph for the last two years and the company is in the hands of a person who knows the market and its players extremely well.”
Galea said: “This is a most exciting time that gives Air Malta the chance to consolidate its position as the national airline of the Maltese islands and to have the chance to go for structured growth over the next years”.