Foreign Minister Ian Borg will be in charge of recruiting pilots to join the new version of Air Malta, the government has announced.
Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Monday that the new national airline will make its maiden flight on March 31 next year.
Abela added that Borg has been tasked with making sure all new pilots are fully licensed before then, even though Air Malta and the wider aviation sector no longer fall under his portfolio.
“I’m confident that Ian will find the best people and hire them based on skills and merit, in keeping with the way this government always operates,” Abela said.
“I urge people to apply through the official channels – that is, by sending a Whatsapp message to the minister,” he added.
Following the news, various people in Borg’s constituency of Dingli and employees in his ministry rushed to apply for pilot vacancies, which come with a gross salary of around €140,000.
“I’ve never flown a plane before but I’m confident the minister will put in a good word for me with the testing agency,” said local baker and Ian Borg supporter Salvu Muscat.
“I drive a van for Labour’s events company so it can’t be that different,” said Dylan Agius.
“Some would say 16 is too young to be given responsibility for 200 people 40,000 feet up in the sky, but I’m the son of Ian Borg’s secretary so your jealousy is my energy. I’m getting that emblazoned on the side of my plane,” said Deznayon Caruana.
