The government is in the process of amending the law to attract more business to the sectors of aircraft leasing and aircraft maintenance, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said this morning.

“We are currently in the process of amending the aircraft registration act in order to offer more incentives to make these industries more attractive.

“It’s not that we lack the necessary training but it’s a matter of business being transferred to other jurisdictions. So, for instance, an aircraft would be registered in Malta but repairs are being undertaken in other countries.

“Is the packet of incentives we are offering good enough? Why are we losing out on business within the fields of aircraft leasing and aircraft financing? The amendments to the 2010 act will seek to address this.”

This year, Malta will be celebrating 100 years of aviation.

A ceremony will be held on February 12 to officially recognise people who have given a valuable contribution to the Maltese aviation sector.

An open day within a number of main aviation companies will be held on February 10 while a flypast will be organised on February 15, which will involve a number of aircraft belonging to Maltese companies as well as the Armed Forces of Malta.

Secondary and post-secondary students will have the opportunity to participate in an art competition based on the ‘100 years of aviation’ theme.