Knighthood Global Limited, a United Arab Emirates firm with offices in Mosta, has claimed responsibility for the restructuring plan that will see Air Malta wound up and replaced by a new flag carrier next year.

The company is led by Chairman James Hogan and CEO James Rigney, who previously served as CEO and CFO, respectively, of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, one of two national airlines of the United Arab Emirates.

In a missive on LinkedIn, Knighthood Global said that it worked closely with Air Malta Executive Chairman David Curmi in “a complex process of strategic business planning and negotiations that sought to shape “a new future-proof airline that will enhance the country’s business environment and ensure its global competitiveness.”

It described the five-year business plan as being based on two key drivers: “a robust network of key destinations and a modern, fuel-efficient fleet.”

It said that “in addition to a focus on efficiencies and effective cost management, the plan outlines what the commercial mix should comprise based on a strong customer centric proposition .

“This can only be delivered by an engaged committed workforce,” it said, noting that the Maltese Government “has taken a number of critical measures to lay the foundations for a workforce of the right size and shape.”

Mr Hogan said: “This is a realistic and exciting roadmap for the future of aviation in Malta. The successful implementation of this plan and the establishment of a sound airline business will be good for Malta, its people and its economy. It will also enhance the nation’s future opportunities for aviation development and economic growth.”

Earlier this year, The Shift reported that Knighthood Global was awarded a €2.4 million consultancy contract by Air Malta in 2022. However, the authorities responsible were seemingly tight-lipped about the reason for the contract.

Knighthood Global’s Maltese offices are at the Mosta Technopark, in the same building as World Aviation Group, which is partly owned by Air Malta.

James Hogan at Davos in 2010 / Image: World Economic Forum

About James Hogan

According to his Wikipedia page, Mr Hogan served as the Chairman of the Aviation, Travel and Tourism Governors at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2010. He has also served on the executive committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

He was appointed to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors in 2011.

Mr Hogan was named Aviation CEO of the Year in 2008 by CEO Middle East magazine, as well as Visionary of the Year in 2010. He also won the CAPA Airline Executive of the Year 2012 Award.