Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia launched the government’s policy for the aviation industry, one of the economic drivers of the country.
This document, titled A Civil Aviation Policy for Malta 2023-2030, was finalized following a public consultation process that was launched in 2021 during a conference on the future of the aviation sector in Malta attended by industry representatives, experts and representatives of the commercial community.
The policy was drafted through dialogue with the industry in view of past investments and the vision for the industry of tomorrow, to ensure that challenges are addressed, and that Malta is well-positioned to anticipate and seize upcoming opportunities.
In this policy, the first of its kind, around 24 objectives were identified aimed at addressing the needs of the industry and supporting an efficient and agile sector.
Among others, these objectives will lead to:
- improvement of the necessary resources, above all the human resources to equip us with the necessary skills for the industry of tomorrow;
- creating a balance between the socio-economic benefits, working towards our decarbonisation goals while preserving the connectivity and competitiveness of our country;
- moving forward and developing new and emerging niches including those of “drones” and EVTOLS;
- improved connectivity between Malta and Gozo, and other countries; and
- strengthening the Civil Aviation Directorate as a catalyst offering a regulatory framework of the highest level.
Other measures will be addressing more imminent needs, including the necessary infrastructure to be able to accommodate the needs and demands of the industry, and a strategic plan for Malta to become a training hub for this industry.
“The government is committed to strengthening the current regulatory framework, investing in industry and in new economic niches, decarbonising the industry, and training the necessary workforce. We will see that environmental and climate change obligations are respected, that we take a leadership role in new economic niches, and that we use the geostrategic position of our country to continue to attract investment, becoming a training hub that fosters the skills necessary for the future,” Minister Aaron Farrugia stated.
The government’s strategic plan for this sector continues to build on its other projects such as the project for the regeneration and extension of the airfield in Gozo and the masterplan for the airport area. Together, such various initiatives will continue to pave the way to attract more enterprises and innovative projects to our country.
