The Government of Malta affirmed its commitment to the sustainability and growth of the local aviation sector through the launch of Malta’s Civil Aviation Policy 2023-2030 (the “Policy”), which was introduced to stakeholders during the National Aviation Conference 2023, held on 18 January 2023. The Policy focuses on five pillars aimed at providing strategic direction to all stakeholders through the consolidation of environmental, economic, social and sustainability considerations, which shape and determine the future of the aviation sector. The five pillars identified by the Policy are as follows:
- Capacity building
This pillar concerns the “specialisation” of the local sector through the development and strengthening of services provided by the aviation cluster . Here, focus is placed on improving and expanding the sector by means of better coordination and the availability and distribution of the necessary resources, in a manner which reflects the existing and future demands of the industry.
- Economic benefits
The second pillar recognises the significance of the aviation sector to the Maltese economy and thus seeks to assess its potential to expand beyond existing services and structures. Through a study of the local sector, the Government intends to understand the optimum level of activities provided, the contributions and effect of such activities on the local economy and accordingly, the demands and costs of the sector, so as to promote sustainable and profitable growth.
- Stakeholder collaboration
The Government considers the creation of synergies and collaborative efforts to be crucial to the sustainable development of the local aviation industry. Workable, efficient and cost-effective policy, which reflects the objectives of both private and public stakeholders, requires coordination at all levels. Notwithstanding competing obligations and objectives, the Government intends to support and assist the various stakeholders in parallel with its own commitments and obligations.
- Legal and regulatory framework
Whilst the Maltese regulatory framework already caters for aviation sector-specific legislation in line with international and EU obligations, the resilience and prosperity of the aviation sector relies on a regulatory framework which promotes the efficiency and profitability of the industry. The regulatory framework must be constantly revised to ensure that the dynamics and objectives of the sector are comprehensively and appropriately addressed in a manner that promotes rather than stultifies growth and investment.
- Sustainability
The topic of sustainability has increasingly dominated discussions on the future of the aviation industry. This, especially, in view of the Fit for 55 Package and growing international and EU focus on sustainability. Sustainability considerations require an assessment of various overlapping considerations, including environmental impact, energy, fuel, social and employment concerns, and the overall profitability of aviation services. The Government intends to drive the necessary discussions on the various considerations at play, in an attempt to secure and maintain a profitable aviation sector.
As evidenced in the Policy, the Government recognises Malta’s position as a leading aviation hub and prioritises the continuity and prosperity of this industry, in the years to come. However, overreaching, directionless growth does little to guarantee a resilient, competitive industry and therefore stakeholders should strive for improved quality and efficiency in conformity with our international, as well as national, commitments.
Camilleri Preziosi welcomes the Policy and is committed to the implementation of the pillars detailed therein. Please get in touch with Steve Decesare (steve.decesare@camilleriprezioi.com) or Krista Ellul (krista.ellul@camilleripreziosi.com) should you require a better understanding of the Policy and its objectives.
Authors: Steve Decesare and Krista Ellul
