Malta and France agree closer cooperation in aviation incidents investigations

Malta and France have signed a letter of intent, aimed at paving the way for cooperation and assistance in cases of aircraft incidents and subsequent investigations. The cooperation will also include training and sharing of information and expertise.

The letter was signed by Malta’s Bureau for Air Accident Investigation (BAAI) and its French counterpart, Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA).

The signing of the letter follows two separate incidents: in October, a small-engine aircraft on a French Customs surveillance operation crashed after developing engine trouble, as soon as it took to air from the runway at the Malta International Airport. Five French nationals were killed.

More recently, two French fighter jets and an aerial refuelling aircraft were forced to land in Malta after the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker developed technical failure to one of its engines.

According to the Tourism Ministry, the agreement will benefit the BAAI from the BEA’s ample expertise in civil aviation.

Both parties have agreed to exchange expertise in relation to the methods and techniques involved in conducting civil aviation safety investigations.

“BAAI and BEA have also agreed to assist each other in civil aviation accidents or incidents in which each of them has a particular interest,” the Minister said.

Another area agreed upon is communication, which involves the publication of reports and communication directly related with the families of the victims and the media.

BAAI Chief Inspector Captain Frank Zammit expressed his satisfaction at the results obtained in this agreement with the BEA.

“I am positive that this agreement will serve as an added tool to improve Malta’s profile in the aviation industry,” Zammit said.

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that he is pleased with the efforts made by the BAAI to continue achieving positive results for Malta’s aviation industry.

“This is what Malta needs to continue strengthening its high profile at an international level. Hard work pays off, and the BAAI is proof of this,” the minister said.