Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli emphasised the government’s commitment to help the aviation industry, as it finds its way out of the challenges brought about by the global pandemic.
“The global pandemic has left its impact on all economic sectors, not least the aviation industry, which is one of the worst hit. The schemes that were rolled out at the height of the pandemic were aimed at helping the different sectors retain their workforce. As the world looks on eagerly to start recovering in the months to come, we will be giving the aviation industry the support it requires,” Minister Dalli said, during a visit at the Lufthansa Technik Facility in Luqa.
Minister Dalli was welcomed by Lufthansa Technik Malta CEO John Mahon. Lufthansa Technik Malta, which employs over 550 workers, focuses on the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircrafts. It is one of several companies in Malta who have benefitted from the COVID Wage Supplement scheme during 2020 and will continue benefitting from the revised Wage Supplement Scheme.
The aviation industry brings together several different sectors including air transport, airports, aircraft manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MROs), all of which are interlinked and affected by the challenges brought about by the pandemic, including air travel restrictions. MROs in particular are highly dependent on the demand from the air transport sector, as clearly acknowledged by the OECD.
On his part, Mr Mahon welcomed the continued support shown by the government during this challenging time for the aviation industry.
“We have always had an excellent relationship with the Maltese government, so it is my great pleasure to welcome Minister Dalli to Lufthansa Technik Malta,” Lufthansa Technik Malta’s CEO said.
“The effect the pandemic has had on our business has been extreme, we still face many challenges to get back to the levels of 2019. The continued support from the government and Malta Enterprise, together with the commitment from Lufthansa and the ongoing flexibility of our dedicated workforce, are the cornerstones required to allow us to navigate our way through this crisis,” added Mr Mahon.
