A National Aeirospace Centre will help strenghten Malta’s economy and contribute to the country’s competitiveness in the aviation sector. Based on the outcome of a feasibility study involving national and international stakeholders, a business plan will be set up, with particular emphasises on research and innovation, research and development and an aviation hub.
Addressing the 4th Annual Mediterranean Business Aviation conference, Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis said the Government acknowledges the contribution of the aviation sector to the Maltese economy, saying that the stable economy has allowed Malta to to reach out and serve as a reliable and trusted centre of excellence on the international stage. Our geographical position puts us at the cross roads of contrasting economies and cultures, he said.
Dr Zammit Lewis said that Malta serves as a trade gateway for the expanding markets of the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Africa and a number of air service agreements with African nationas have been signed.
“As the industry grows, it will need more trained and skilled individuals who can take up the jobs provided. The link between education and industry is vital for our competitiveness. Malta’s greatest asset, and practically our only natural resource, is our people,” he said, adding that the government aims at making Malta a training hub for the aviation industry, where people from all over the world can come to learn or train in a wide variety of aviation jobs and disciplines.
A Legal Notice regulating Remotely Piloted Aircrafts will be completed shortly.