Half of Air Malta workforce to receive transfers in attempt to save airline amid crisis

Jan 14 2022

Of Air Malta’s approximately 890-strong workforce, around 430 will be transferred to other government departments in a bid to save the struggling airline.

This was announced by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana during a conference with Air Malta Executive Chairman David G. Curmi to address the future of Malta’s National Airline. The Minister revealed that a restructuring plan will be put into effect, which will enact a number of new measures. Amongst others, half of the workforce including cabin crew, cargo handlers and administrative officials will be transferred to other government departments.

Caruana took the opportunity to slam unnamed predecessors, stating that the airline is in the state it is due to ‘political decisions triumphing over common sense,’ and that he wouldn’t have addressed the conference if he wasn’t certain that Air Malta has a fighting chance.

Curmi stated that Air Malta will no longer operate flights which result in losses for the company and that problems for the airline did not start during the pandemic but before. The company has registered losses since 2005 and their was a 2-year-period were it registered profits after selling a number of its assets.

Following the minister’s meeting with unions, it has been reported that unions are hopeful for Air Malta’s future.

What do you make of this?

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5 vegan substitutes to your favourite foods

Jan 14 2022

Collins dictionary defines a vegan as someone who “never eats meat or any animal products such as milk, butter, or cheese.” At face value, that may seem like a mundane lifestyle consisting solely of lettuce and rice but that’s where you’re wrong. Veganism doesn’t mean that you have to abstain from vibrant, exciting dishes but rather the opposite. So if you haven’t tried this lifestyle yet and want to take a trip to the green side, here are 5 vegan substitutes to your favourite dishes.

V-Gang from The Meatball Guys

The beauty of gastronomy is that when you least expect it, a restaurant comes out with a new dish which leaves foodies drooling at their screens and The Meatballs Guys’ latest vegan creation is quite a sight to see.

The V-Gang is a sandwich made up of 100% homemade vegan balls, baby spinach, smooth potato mousse, Sorrento tomatoes, carrot chips, homemade vegan mayo, cradled in a brioche bun.

Beyond Burrito from Avotaco

Avotaco’s Beyond Burrito is equally plant-based as it is flavourful: 100%. The Mexican food spot’s vegan burrito is bursting with flavour and features plant-based Beyond Meat, Bean & Bell Pepper Mix, Fresh Roasted Corn & Avotaco Signature Vegan Sauce!

So if you want to take yourself on a trip to Mexico while maintaining a vegan diet, the Beyond Burrito is definitely the way to go. Bonus challenge: try to look at it without drooling.

Vegan Chipotle Jackfruit Melt from Dr. Juice

Dr. Juice is well-known for offering fresh, delectable dishes which cater to all lifestyles and their vegan selections are absolutely unmatched. That’s why a lot of people got excited when they introduce the vegan twist on a classic menu item: the Chipotle Jackfruit Melt!

Jackfruit, jalapeño peppers, chipotle sauce & vegan cheese: if your mouth isn’t watering yet, just wait until you see it with your own eyes.

Beyond Pizza from Bohini

A vegan pizza if we ever did see one. This gorgeous Imgarr restaurant recently cropped up on our radar for its attractive food and scenic atmosphere but when we caught a glimpse of their vegan pizza, we couldn’t help get hungry.

Topped with tomato salsa, vegan mozzarella, beyond sausage meat, caramelised onions, bell peppers, tomato chilli jam and a sesame seed crust, whether you’re a fully-fledged vegan or not, this is one hell of a pizza.

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The Vurger from Olive 3

Trust us when we tell you it looks as good as it tastes. This brand new cafe concept in the heart of Mrieħel offers a diverse selection of breakfast dishes, quick lunches and office-ready meals which will satisfy your stomach and keep you going throughout the day.

The true star of the show however, is The Vurger. An in-house marinated Portobello Mushroom with a basil and walnut pesto, red onion, rucola, tomatoes and guacamole. If you love burgers and want to dabble in veganism, this is a must-try.

WATCH: Check out our latest MFILES interview with vegan trainer Josef Mizzi where he discusses all of the dietary misconceptions surrounding veganism and how the lifestyle informs his coaching profession:

Which one is your favourite? Send this story to someone who should try veganism.

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Cinemas and theatres will not need to social distance as of Monday in regulation-backtrack

Majority of University exams to be held online after student uproar

Jan 14 2022

In a recent statement published by the University of Malta, it was reported that an estimated 700 of 976 exams are to be held remotely during its first semester. The reasoning behind this was due to the disruption cause by Malta’s current quarantine measures.

The previous decision to hold physical exams created somewhat of an uproar from various students and organisations, with a petition campaigning for online lectures and exams gaining just under 2,100 signatures. Examinations will start on Monday January 24th.

The University stated that after consulting with faculties, institutions, centres and schools, “it was decided that more than two thirds of exams scheduled to be held at the end of the first semester are to be held online.”

Do you agree with the decision?

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