SPEECH BY THE THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM EDWARD ZAMMIT LEWIS DURING - TopicsExpress

SPEECH BY THE THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM EDWARD ZAMMIT LEWIS DURING THE 3RD ANNUAL MEDITERRANEAN BUSINESS AVIATION CONFERENCE “Government is firmly committed in developing the aviation sector into an important eceonomic pillar for Malta.” Chairman for the Mediterranean Business Aviation 2014 - Dr. De Giovanni, Aeropodium CEO - Mr. Panagopoulos, colleagues; good morning. First of all I thank you for organising this annual event as you are amplifying the importance of aviation and highlighting the challenges within the industry, allowing stakeholders to come together and share ideas for discussion. I am glad to see various service companies in attendance and several law firms. Government is firmly committed to deliver positive results within this industry to create the best climate within which this industry operates We are continuously working on several important matters including for example the emission trading scheme, the single European sky. We recently approved the ratification of the Montreal Protocol which is basically an amendment of the Tokyo convention. The Montreal Protocol addresses the loopholes that existed for long years mainly in connection to passenger security,safety and states’ jurisdictional issues. Government is aware that your business is responsive to an over regulated sector, but we all understand also that this is what makes us safe and quality guaranteed. We acknowledge the continuous investment and high competition that you are faced with, hence we strive to remain financial attractive for all operators interested in Malta Last August, the National Aerospace Centre, an agency reporting to my Ministry, also held a workshop covering aerospace innovation, practical research, possible flight test facilities and further assistance to the national aviation industry. This is all mindful of continuous challenges such as high fuel costs, latest technology and fierce competition around us. Specifically in connection to business aviation, the Aviation Advisory Committee was given a presentation on the Aircraft Registration Act. I took fully the advice of the said Committee that there is a need for this law to be revised to meet present challenges. The Government is in the process of seeing to amendments to this legislation. Unfortunately current political instabilities particularly in the Mediterranean region do not help, however we endeavour to mitigate the impact, as a reason of this in fact we are working closely with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, we are considering important matters that give peace of mind, for example, ‘asset securities’. We are also working on the revision of ground handling regulations. This will also ensure the facilitation of business aviation. We should not forget our important geographical location, which is undoubtedly one of our best assets. This country is situated a few hours by plane away from Central Africa, Northern Europe, East Europe and the Middle East. This is a European Member State of political stability, where decision-makers are reachable and in constant listening mode. Malta is a veteran member of Eurocontrol, a state which ratified the Cape Town Convention, and an ICAO active participant. In a highly competitive market, this is the island where education is supported by the Government from pre to post tertiary grade, contributing to a knowledgeable, skilled and hard working labour force. This is important for all aspects of your industry, including back office operations. We both want a highly successful aviation industry in Malta and I am confident that there is a great deal we can achieve together. Let’s all contribute to build an even better industry, importantly by meeting and exceeding customer expectations and creating enterprise we can be proud of.