Aviation plays a key role in Malta’s economic resilience and growth, Kenneth Farrugia, the CEO of Bank of Valletta (BOV), Malta’s largest bank, highlighted during an event.

Aviation Malta, which was set up in 2019 and plays a key role in the growth and development of the sector, co-hosted a high-level business breakfast with BOV in which they brought together investors, corporate stakeholders and industry leaders to explore the competitive advantages Malta brings, and the evolving landscape of specialized business banking.

The session focused on four pillars: Positioning Malta as a business destination, the banking system and regularity environment, BOV’s role as “Malta’s leading banking institution”, and BOV as a strategic banking partner.

Mr Farrugia noted the bank’s commitment to supporting the sector with targeted financial solutions, and said that the country’s location offers opportunities in both aviation and maritime which, he said, could be unblocked through collaboration. Coordinated development would benefit all stakeholders, he added.

Aldo Scardino, who is responsible for BOV’s international corporate banking function as well as Specialised Business Banking, delivered a presentation. He said that Malta is a strong, credible jurisdiction that competes well with top EU financial centres.

BOV said that the business breakfast forms part of collaborative efforts between the bank and Aviation Malta to promote Malta “as a premier hub for international business and investment, while strengthening engagement with key industry stakeholders.”