Aviation experts propose new hangar for testing

Local aviation experts are proposing a new building at the Safi Aviation Park that would include lecture rooms, offices, and also a hangar for unmanned aircraft testing.

This was proposed in a conference organised this morning in which the Government announced its intention to invest heavily in Research & Development, in particular in the aviation sector.

"In the past we have failed in Research and development; we have invested very little. This government recognises the importance of R&D and is aware that much more investment is needed in the near future," the Minister for Tourism, Karmenu Vella said.

Kenneth Chircop, David Zammit-Mangion and Andrew Sammut, who all lecture avionics at the University of Malta, presented a list of projects done. These include a flight trajectory optimisation for reduction of noise and emissions,'FlySafe' aircraft safety system and 'Odicis' - a touch screen interactive cockpit technology.

They were also awarded research contracts with Airbus, leading manufactures of aviation technology and foreign universities.

"The government's initiative is to promote further research, but we should also capitalise on what is already there, and Malta's aviation sector is one of the leading in this industry" Zammit-Mangion said.

David Zammit-Mangion concluded that support to local industry is needed in order to attract further foreign investment to Malta.

Last April, Minister Karmenu Vella said the Government was preparing a national aviation policy in order to address the problems this sector faces, saying this was a priority sector for the Government.