Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia launched Malta’s first civil aviation policy, titled “A Civil Aviation Policy for Malta 2023-2030”, at the National Aviation Conference which took place 18 January 2023.

The policy contains a total of 24 objectives and five strategic pillars, which will address the needs of the aviation industry, continuing to ensure “the upkeep of an increasingly efficient and agile aviation sector”. The five pillars will focus on capacity building, optimizing economic benefits, increasing stakeholder participation, revising regulations and legislation, and sustainability.

The objectives will work towards decarbonization goals, while preserving the connectivity and competitiveness of Malta. It will also develop and support new and emerging niches in the aviation sector such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drones.

“The Government is committed to strengthening the current regulatory framework, investing in industry and in new economic niches, decarbonising the industry, and training the necessary workforce,” Farrugia told Business Now. “We will ensure that environmental and climate change obligations are respected, that we take a leadership role in new economic niches, and that we use the geostrategic position of our country to continue to attract investment, becoming a training hub that fosters the skills necessary for the future.”