Minister Borg launches a public consultation policy on civil aviation for Malta: A nine-year plan
During a press conference the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg launched a public consultation policy on civil aviation for Malta, a plan which will look at the development of the aviation sector in our country by 2030.
Minister Borg said: “During the budget speech for 2021 we promised to develop a civil aviation Policy for Malta. And today we are delivering on that promise. As a government we want this sector not only to be the best in Europe but to become a globally-renowned sector. This is a policy that seeks to ensure that throughout the coming nine years the Maltese aviation sector not only manages to recover from the backlash of the Covid-19 pandemic but continues to develop and prosper. In this policy we have identified over 20 objectives that will, among others, help to enhance the economic benefits deriving from a thriving civil aviation sector, exploit the potential of new and emerging sectors, strengthen the critical role of aviation in terms of connectivity and tackle pre-existing conditions such as congestion and carbon footprint.”
Aviation has and will continue to play a fundamental role for the economy of the Maltese islands. Before the emergence of the pandemic this sector sustained no less than 5,500 direct jobs, carried over 7 million passengers annually and generated about €600m to our economy.
“It is worth noting that by the end of August, in terms of arrivals, we have already reached 50% of pre-pandemic numbers. This showcases this government’s extensive work ethic towards our country’s recovery from the pandemic,” said Borg.
The chairperson for the Aviation Advisory Committee Karmenu Vella mentioned how through this public consultation, stakeholders will now have the opportunity to participate in the formation of the National Civil Aviation Policy, which will lead us to 2030. “This is a policy that aims to strengthen the collective work between those who, in one way or another, are involved in the aviation sector so that this sector in Malta will be among the first to return to the level of pre-pandemic activity. Among other things, this policy is also looking at strengthening traditional industries, exploring the potential of new niches as well as seeing that this sector continues to grow and become more sustainable.”