“The global aviation industry is set to continue to experience rapid growth for the near future. Malta too has a role to play in that growth trajectory. This is a vision this Government shares with its local partners and stakeholders. This €40 million investment will be instrumental in bolstering Malta’s aviation portfolio,” said Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Chris Cardona as he presided over the ceremonial ground breaking of SR Technics’ new centre of excellence in Ħal Farruġ.
This expansion is an element of the aviation strategy developed by Malta Industrial Parks and Malta Enterprise to make best use of the area which can be leveraged to our advantage in expanding this industry further. These efforts are backed by direct infrastructural investment, mostly centred on specialised industrial areas, which are designed to provide secure airside facilities for the industry, particularly within the MRO sector. The Safi Aviation Park is one of these successful endeavors that continues to attract new projects that are helping in rounding off our circle of air-side offerings towards a full service proposition, including aviation painting, aircraft chartering and provisions, helicopter repairs and maintenance and pilot training.
In his address, General Manger for local operations for SR Technics Arthur Magri said, “We have developed a long-term growth strategy directed towards the expansion of our global market position through services to our customers across the entire Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) value chain. These conditions can only be reached with a supportive government willing to hear the needs of the aviation industry.”
The agreement includes the construction of a brand new modern multi-bay hangar facility for narrow and wide body aircraft at Malta International Airport. With a size of 30,000 sqm, including workshop space, the new infrastructure will enable SR Technics to increase its capacities to up to six narrow-body aircraft at once for maintenance such as C-checks, modifications and retrofits.
With the support of the Maltese Government, SR Technics will hire and train approximately 350 new employees in various positions, such as B1 and B2 engineers, structure mechanics and technicians to join the highly skilled and motivated workforce to service existing and future customers.
Minister Cardona insited that the Government is ambitious and keen to reach higher and wider goals, and sees MROs as a first crucial building to reach to wider opportunities in the aviation industry.
“We fully appreciate that the speed at which the industry is growing poses challenges, particularly in regard to human resource needs and safety and congestion. Significant investment will be needed in all areas of aviation to ensure it will be ready to meet long-term demands,” said Minister Cardona.
