Air Malta

airBaltic unveils restructure plan as it seeks to return to the black by 2014

With its latest business plan, airBaltic has joined a number of other European carriers seeking to turn around its operations. As with Air France, Austrian Airlines and Air Malta, airBaltic is attempting to return to profitability in the face of rising competition and fuel prices. The carrier’s restructuring plan is aimed at strengthening its operations with a modernised and simplified fleet, while reducing expenses and its workforce.

airBaltic’s plan, titled “ReShape”, was unveiled earlier this month but had been expected following developments in late 2011 - when the Latvian Government stepped in to acquire Baltic Aviation Services’ (BAS) 47.2% stake in the carrier. This brought the Government’s total ownership of airBaltic to 99.8%.

Air Malta troubles worsen as unions flex muscle and LCCs grow

Air Malta’s troubles have become more acute as the struggling carrier’s unions increase their opposition to large-scale redundancies. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has stated the present situation is increasingly worrying, particularly in light of the EUR77 million the government has poured into the airline since Jun-2011.

European airlines report single-digit traffic growth in 2010; profits remain weak

European airlines reported single-digit growth last year - a welcome improvement from 2009's depressed level - but 2010 was a lacklustre year overall. Full year data has been released by the Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) and EUROCONTROL. As noted by EUROCONTROL, growth across the continent last year was driven mainly by LCCs.