The aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth and attracting a lot of interest, as by autumn another five Aircraft Operating Certificates will be added, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia announced at the Malta Aviation Conference & EXPO (MACE).

In addition, he said that Malta's aircraft registry, which has exceeded 700 aircraft, is expected to exceed 800 by next year.

MACE is an international aviation conference held in Malta every year, attracting delegates from all over the world. 

The delegates attending are decision makers in their organisations, normally CEOs and other executives, company owners, company directors, investors and other people working in the aviation industry. It is a platform for investors and other aviation professionals to meet with local service providers working in the aviation industry. 

Minister Farrugia said that this thriving industry is creating quality jobs across the board. "We are working to ensure that aviation is recognised as a main player in our economy and is given the recognition it truly deserves. Jobs become careers increasing the talent pool, and transfer of knowledge prepares the island for a new wave of young workers who are attracted to the aviation cluster."

Minister Farrugia continued that, "as an island on the periphery of the EU, we depend on aviation, and we need to defend our interests against the one size fits all attitude. Let us work together for a greener aviation that is sustainable both environmentally and economically for Malta."

In a similar vein, the Chief Executive Officer for Transport Malta Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi stated that the authority's vision is to continue growing by attracting more companies to Malta, but that this growth needs to be sustainable.

"I am conscious that the expectations remain high. We need to invest in our people and in new technology to meet the demands of the future, and to always synchronise ourselves with global developments. Our aim is to encourage more young Maltese citizens to seek careers in the aviation industry, in order to take up the many jobs that are being created," Brigadier Curmi concluded.