There is no doubt that Malta depends a lot on air travel to effectively connect with the rest of the world. This can make commerce, both importing and exporting, and also travelling for business or leisure somehow less straightforward when compared to other countries that can opt for solely land connections.

Malta’s connections with aviation dates back a century. This year, we are commemorating the first flight from Malta when, in 1915, a seaplane Type 135 took off from Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The Ministry for Tourism sought to commemorate this landmark episode by organising several events.

Some of the aircraft that made aviation history in Malta, courtesy Godfrey Mangion.Some of the aircraft that made aviation history in Malta, courtesy Godfrey Mangion.

The 100th Anniversary of Aviation Awards ceremony celebrated and acknowledged those who contributed to this important industry.

The ministry also took the initiative to hold an open day when Malta International Airport, Air Malta, Lufthansa Technik, Medavia, SR Technics and the air wing of the Armed Forces of Malta showcased their operations to the public.

Also, a flypast was held on March 29 to mark 100 years of aviation in Malta.

Two years after the first flight in Malta took off, the first aircraft was built. In 1926, our country witnessed the beginning of commercial aviation and a significant increase in demand was seen after World War II.

A new terminal was built in 1958 to accommodate the growth in air traffic. After joining the International Civil Aviation Organisation in 1965, it was time to witness the birth of our own aircraft identity with the establishment of the Maltese aircraft register in 1969.

Mass air travel, made possible by technological progress, especially the development of the jet engine, led to a boom in the tourism industry. The need was felt for Malta to have its own national airline and, in 1973, Air Malta was born. This was a moment of great national pride.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Maltese tourism industry grew at a rapid rate and, in 1992, a new air terminal was built to cater for the requirements of an expanding industry.

The year 2003 saw another landmark, with Lufthansa Technik commencing servicing operations here.

Anniversaries are an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and help us acknowledge how far we’ve come but also plan accordingly for the future.

Malta should certainly take pride in its accomplishments in aviation. This anniversary is an opportunity to commemorate all the accomplishments made in the aviation industry so far and it is also an opportunity to look forward, to consider likely developments and research the industry.

One look at today’s busy flight schedules at MIA, itself a living monument to this industry, gives us an idea of how aviation continues to serve as Malta’s dynamic link with the world.

Malta should certainly take pride in its accomplishments in aviation

Air connectivity also remains one of the strategic pillars of our tourism policy. The government is aware that making the islands accessible to as many potential travellers as possible is essential to Malta’s tourism industry growth and to the country’s economic progress. In this respect, last year we attended for the first time the International Civil Aviation Conference, where ICAO members meet to discuss and negotiate air services at a bilateral level.

I am also determined to ensure that Air Malta preserves its important strategic role. The national carrier is now in its most decisive year since the start of the restructuring plan. It is facing tough market challenges such as major instability in Libya and stiff competition from low-cost airlines.

The new management team at Air Malta is taking several measures conducive to making the airline commercially viable. Actions include flexible prices and fares, a revision of the in-flight catering contract and the sale of subsidiary companies not part of the core business, mainly the Selmun Palace Hotel.

The next months are crucial for Air Malta. The objectives of the restructuring plan are ambitious but the government is most confident that the airline will survive. We recognise that this is not an easy situation but the extensive work being done at all levels of the airline is very encouraging.

The aviation sector should not be limited to aircraft registration and that’s why I have identified aviation clusters, such as aircraft leasing and aircraft finances. These services, no doubt, produce a healthy competitive advantage and from which Malta can benefit through further revenue and high-quality employment opportunities.

A revision in the Aircraft Registration Act is essential. It is important to have a solid legal framework and incentives to make Malta more attractive to those offering aircraft services.

The Aircraft Registration Act, initiated in 2010, will be amended to reflect the rapid changes and growth the industry has experienced over the past few years. My aim is for these amendments to come into force by the end of this year.

Malta’s recent ratification of the Montreal Protocol and the planned revision of the Aircraft Registration Act are two steps on the road, or should I say runway, to the formulation of a comprehensive aviation policy for Malta. Aerospace innovation, practical research, the possibility of flight test facilities and further assistance to the national aviation industry will all be contemplated in the development of this policy, as will the challenges this important and exciting industry continues to face.

It is with great satisfaction that we announce that the proposal submitted in accordance with a Teaming call under Horizon2020, ‘Spreading excellence and widening participation’, has won the confidence of the European Commission to commence a Teaming project with another member state.

Malta’s Temara proposal has been selected as one of 31 proposals out of 169 submissions. The proposed project will be implemented by the National Aerospace Centre in Malta and consists of a one-year action plan for the creation of a business plan.

This gives us the courage to move forward and we would like to continue supporting the industry through a more skilled and innovative workforce. The government is constantly working close to the industry and bridging academia to investors in particular niches, among them aerospace.

We are determined to continue exploiting resources and opportunities.

I extend my gratitude to past and present players in Malta’s aviation sector for their endeavours in the development of this critical contributor to our well-being. This is the government’s vision. We have to continue working together to generate more jobs and more careers in the aviation sector, which gave and still gives a lot to the Maltese economy and society.

Edward Zammit Lewis is Minister for Tourism.

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