The Nationalist Party denounced KM Malta Airlines’ decision not to mandate Maltese proficiency for cabin crew, labeling it as “shameful.”
This reaction stemmed from a report in the Sunday newspaper Illum, indicating the airline’s departure from Air Malta’s practice of requiring both English and Maltese skills from cabin crew.
Despite this, the new carrier opted to align with other low-cost operators by only necessitating proficiency in English.
The PN emphasized that KM Malta Airlines, being a national carrier, should cater to the linguistic needs of both domestic and international passengers, asserting that the use of Maltese enhances the authenticity of the travel experience.
They urged the government to reconsider this decision, stating that a national airline should prioritize the official languages of the country it represents.
KM Malta Airlines justified its stance by citing an expectation of over 80% of its passengers being non-Maltese nationals, leading them to deem Maltese language proficiency unnecessary for employment. However, they assured that safety and informational messages would still be conveyed in both Maltese and English.
The controversy sparked criticism from various quarters, including PN MEP David Casa and independent MEP candidate Arnold Cassola, who highlighted the language requirements of international airlines. The announcement coincided with the government’s launch of a skills pass for non-EU workers in the tourism sector.
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