With an investment of €11.5 million, made by INDIS Malta, part of the runway, known as Taxiway Lima, was built and widened. Through this investment, our country will be able to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A350, for maintenance.
This was announced by the Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri. The Minister said that this project is fundamental to see the aviation industry continue to flourish in our country. In recent years this sector has seen considerable growth and diversification which is making our country an important center in aviation.
“This piece of land is necessary so that through it we can take off and land planes safely when they access the facilities offered by aircraft maintenance companies in Malta, regardless of their size,” said the Minister Schembri.
Taxiway Lima is located next to two aircraft maintenance companies, SR Technic and Lufthansa Technik. While thanking the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) companies for the trust they show in our country’s economy, and all those involved in this project, Minister Schembri said that INDIS Malta is working on a strategy for the airport area that will go in depth on the airport infrastructure and the opportunities it offers.
The Chairman of INDIS Malta, Jean Pierre Attard, said that this project shows the importance of INDIS Malta not only in better infrastructure in the industrial areas, but it is also side by side with the economic sectors several that our country has. “Originally Taxiway Lima was built before the Second World War and was certified that up to Code C aircraft can land in it. But with the aviation sector continuing to expand, the need was felt to rebuild it to today’s standards and grow to be able to accommodate larger planes,” said Jean Pierre Attard.
Arthur Magri, General Manager of SR Technic, said that the construction of Taxiway Lima as it borders the secondary runway was not easy, but this investment is an important step for the aviation industry in our country to continue growing . Edwin Micallef, Head of Production at Lufthansa Technik Malta, said that MRO companies need a strong infrastructure to operate and that Taxiway Lima is an important component of this infrastructure. Engineer Micallef thanked the Maltese Government for recognizing the need for investment in this infrastructure.
Photos: DOI, MEFL
