Government to set up Civil Aviation Authority

The government has kick started the process to create a Civil Aviation Authority and an aviation policy, tourism minister Karmenu Vella said.

Speaking during the Bank of Valletta Aviation Outlook, Vella said that the aviation sector has "great potential" and this was recognised by elevating the sector to ministerial level.

Noting that the aviation sector in Malta dates back to 1915, Vella said that "aviation does not only consist in carrying passengers and cargo but it should be seen in a wider context were it can generate big opportunities."

Acknowledging that a number of renowned international aviation companies had relocated to Malta in recent years, Vella announced that the government has initiated the process which would lead to the setting up of a Civil Aviation Authority and an aviation policy.

He said a board of experts has been appointed to draft a policy which will than lead to the launch of a white paper for public consultation.  

"The objective remains that of creating the right environment to foster growth and further investment in the sector," Vella said.

The tourism minister pointed out that the sector includes specialised niches such as aircraft registration, pilots' training, ground handling and mentioned the idea of turning Malta into an aviation hub on the lines of the Malta Freeport.

"For these reasons, Malta needs an aviation policy to empower government and aid the private sector to exploit these opportunities," Vella added.

During the event, Vella awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to the director of the Malta Aviation Museum, Ray Polidano.