The Parliamentary Secretariat for Research and Innovation has launched a research project to develop the country's first advanced flight simulator. This project will be led by the Institute of Air Technologies (IAT) of the University of Malta.

This project was announced during a press conference at KM Malta Airlines' hangar at Malta International Airport, by the Parliamentary Secretary for Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti.

This simulator will be used for training purposes, for data analysis, and to conduct testing for the aviation sector.

This project is one of ten other research initiatives funded by the Secretariat. These projects aim to bolster Malta's technological infrastructure with the hopes of positioning Malta as a reference point for research and innovation within the region.

PS Azzopardi Tanti said that the government has full confidence in its students and researchers. Additionally, the government will continue to invest in its workers who contribute to the country's economy, because it believes in them, he said.

Azzopardi Tanti also noted that "this is just the beginning of a broader vision for Malta to be at the forefront of the aviation sector."

"The Government is investing in technology not only to meet European standards, but to be at the forefront in specialized fields. This project, in this crucial field, will lead to international-level training and help local airlines operate more efficiently and with a low environmental impact," he said.

Prof. David Zammit Mangion explained that this project aims to create an advanced aviation infrastructure that can provide technical training, whilst supporting operational testing and process optimisation.

"This investment not only boosts local technical competences, but also creates opportunities for collaborations with foreign industries," he said.

The Secretariat observed that this project confirms the government's commitment to create a "complete innovation ecosystem" which combines the key pillars for Malta's sustainable and technological future - research, industry, and professional training.