Malta has emerged as the fastest-growing aircraft registry in Europe. What are the reasons behind this development?

Malta’s geographical location and history have played an important part in the development of the country’s trade and service industries over the years. Malta enjoys a culture that welcomes diversity and adapts well to change and opportunity. British rule in Malta coincided with the development of global commerce and the emergence of aviation as a new global industry. Maltese commercial law and aviation standards were originally based on the requirements of the British system, which was the leading jurisdiction at the time. Today, Malta is a member of the EU and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), offering the world’s highest and most modern aviation standards.

Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate plays an important role in actively supporting the local aviation sector’s growth by providing robust oversight combined with a proactive and business-friendly approach to investors. It is this combination of advantageous factors that makes Malta the preferred home for aviation-related commercial activities.

“Malta is fortunate to have a Civil Aviation Authority staffed with industry professionals who come from operational backgrounds, bringing handson experience and a deep understanding of the issues airlines face on a daily basis.”

BizAv provides a full spectrum of services in the aviation sector, including safety and operational consultancy, management training and recruitment. Why do foreign airlines come to Malta to obtain these services?

The biggest challenge Malta faced when it first ventured into the aviation world was the natural isolation of the island, dependent on limited air connections and the inadequate video conferencing technology of the time. This changed with the introduction of low air fares and new routes from Malta to regional airports across Europe, along with significant advances in synchronous video conferencing technology.

Thanks to this increased connectivity, BizAv was able to adapt and deliver services to customers in Malta and worldwide, without the need for our clients to physically come to Malta. This ease of connectivity, together with the high standard and quality of our services, is one reason why our clients see good value in what we offer.

In your conversations with foreign airlines and operators, what do they find most surprising – positively or negatively – about Malta?

On the positive side, airlines and operators established in Malta appreciate the genuine hospitality, personal attention and flexibility when dealing with issues that can be easily resolved. On the negative side, Malta has not been able to effectively find solutions to overcome the challenges arising from its physical isolation as an island. Additionally, there is an ongoing shortage of qualified aviation personnel needed for the management and operation of aviation entities.

How do Malta’s Government and authorities support the aviation sector?

Malta is fortunate to have a Civil Aviation Authority staffed with industry professionals who come from operational backgrounds, bringing hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the issues airlines face on a daily basis. This understanding and appreciation of the challenges that airlines and other aviation entities face are key to fostering successful relationships between the authorities and operators, in order to achieve the highest safety standards expected by the industry. In this regard, Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate has proven to be a strong and reliable partner, supporting international investors who choose to base their operations in Malta.