easyJet Engineering is, in some respects, a recent arrival to Malta, having completed the acquisition of the SR Technics Malta operation in 2024. Having served at the helm of the company both before and after the transaction, can you share why easyJet felt that the investment was the right move?

easyJet’s acquisition of the facility allowed it to complement and strengthen its in-house capabilities. Having been the launch customer of SR Technics Malta when the company started operations in 2009, the relationship between the facility and easyJet developed and grew stronger over time. They understood our capabilities, our people and the high level of quality work delivered at the facility.

How has Malta’s rising popularity as a jurisdiction for the registration of aircraft changed the local aviation services sector?

The success of the aviation industry in Malta is based on multiple factors, with the growth of the aircraft registry highlighting the strength of the industry as a whole. The sterling work carried out by the authorities, primarily the Civil Aviation Directorate within Transport Malta, as well as other players within the industry, has completely transformed the aviation landscape. Multiple opportunities have been created for people who want to join the aviation sector. These include roles in organisations like Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations (CAMO) to support the growing number of Air Operating Certificates (AOC), Line Maintenance Part- 145 approvals and Design Organisations Part-21.

The growth of Malta’s aircraft registry has also created opportunities in other aviation sectors that were not previously present on the island, opening doors for operators, service providers and investors.

“The growth of Malta’s aircraft registry has also created opportunities in other aviation sectors that were not previously present on the island, opening doors for operators, service providers and investors.”

Can you identify any major market gaps in Malta’s aviation service offering?

In the future, it will be important to attract more research and development organisations to continue supporting the development of the ecosystem.

Does the local labour market satisfy the demand for skilled labour?

While we have the resources we need to run our operations, easyJet is a growing airline. That creates opportunities for new jobs, so we would absolutely welcome a greater focus locally on further developing Malta’s skills pipeline in engineering.

If you had to share one piece of advice with a foreign aviation-related firm looking at the possibility of setting up in Malta, what would it be?

Malta offers several advantages, such as very attractive fiscal benefits, a strong legislative framework, a safe and politically stable country, a high-quality workforce, and a proactive Civil Aviation Directorate that is always there to support and help. My advice to any investor considering Malta is to spend time here to understand the culture and to integrate with other players in the aviation cluster and the broader business community. This is a small country and building a strong network is key.