The aviation industry contributes €600 million Malta's economy annually, employs thousands of people, and transports millions of passengers, Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia said.

"The sector is considered a fundamental economic pillar for Malta. While we recognize the potential for further development, as a government, we have identified aviation as a critical area for growth. However, it is critical that we address the risks that this sector faces, primarily through decarbonization and digitalization. This was the main reason behind Malta's proactive policy approach," he said.

For another year, Malta - with its 9H registry - continues to be the preferred jurisdiction in the aviation industry, a government statement read. "This was the sentiment at the EBACE exhibition and conference in Geneva, where the industry stakeholders and operators gather to showcase innovative technological advancements relating to the aviation industry."

Through its Civil Aviation Directorate, Transport Malta was present in Geneva with the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia. Farrugia was also one of the keynote speakers at the conference, where he had the opportunity to highlight Malta's success in the industry.

"By ratifying the Cape Town Convention, Malta developed into one of the industries' key players. This Convention entails a robust legislative act on aircraft registration, tax incentives, and aircraft repair facilities. All this, in the context of an ever-growing community of private jets, and an easily accessible regulator," the government said.

Minister Farrugia emphasised how Government focused on the Air Navigation Act, immediately after announcing its first civil aviation policy. The Air Navigation Act has recently been presented in Parliament whereby it seeks to remove outdated references, as well as expedite the implementation of necessary changes.

In Geneva, Minister Farrugia met with several aviation industry operators and partners. During this event, he also addressed the 'Sustainability Summit', where he emphasised that Malta has reached a significant milestone with 205 aircraft registrations in just one year. "We currently have 47 air operator certificates (AOCs), with the most recent one being issued a few weeks ago to SkyUp MT. This, in addition to the 823 aircraft listed in the 9H registry," the statement read.