"We are determined to create a skills community to efficiently service the aviation sector"
In his address during the Business Jet 5th Annual Conference in Business Opportunities, Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis referred to business aviation as a means that reduces distances and allows companies to optimise facilities and staff in locations where demand and talent are.
Studies show that globally, more than 370,000 jobs are directly or indirectly dependent on Business Aviation activities in Europe. Further to that, €98 billion of goods and services are produced, €27 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and €21 billion are spent in wages and salaries.
The European strategy pushes the need for European States to access emerging markets where the demand for aviation services is not being satisfied appropriately, both in terms of quality and quantity. With reference to the Maltese Presidency, Minister Zammit Lewis said that "in this regard the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU is set to address the challenges by focusing on regulatory concerns, while at the same time facilitating development of the economic aspect of aviation which would contribute to economic growth and job creation".
He further stated "the Presidency considers the revision of the Regulation of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) a priority, since it touches upon the safety of EU citizens. It is clear that both legislators want a safe and an efficient aviation sector in Europe, where EASA can make best use of its expertise".
With reference to the situation in the local context, the Minister emphasised that we must seek a more proactive approach from a legal, financial and educational aspect. This is the way forward to adapt ourselves to the forthcoming changes and challenges in this dynamic sector.
In his concluding remarks, Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis referred to his vision for the sector, mainly to transform Malta into a more attractive jurisdiction for institutions, willing to finance aviation operations, to attract more companies operating within the aircraft leasing environment, to create a 'skills community' to efficiently service the sector, and lastly to further improve the infrastructure required by aviation companies.
Source: PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY FOR TOURISM
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