Earlier today, MEP Josianne Cutajar held a number of meetings with relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry, including Air Malta in relation to the problems faced by the aviation industry. The issues that were discussed included the lack of staff in the aviation industry, long delays, cancellations and lost luggage – current realities that have taken the European aviation industry by storm.
MEP Cutajar, in the previous days, has increased her pressure on the European Commission to address this scenario. In fact, the MEP asked the European Commission a formal question, where she encouraged the Commission to engage with stakeholders to come up with a contingency plan, launch an investigation into unfair practices, and also to inquire whether lack of staff will result in lower safety. The MEP also stressed the fact that the Commission needs to protect people hailing from remote areas, including islands and peripheral regions, which are limited geographically when it comes to travel options, and whose freedom of movement might be hindered.
Moreover, MEP Cutajar also pushed this point forward with her colleagues in the European Parliament, with her pressure being effective in ensuring a meeting between the Parliament’s TRAN Committee and the European Commission, which will take place this week. MEP Cutajar stated, “It is essential that the Commission engages with all relevant stakeholders on this issue, however, rather than words, as an MEP representing islanders, I want to see action. Let’s walk the walk instead of talking the talk.”