Aviation

The Aviation Sector in Malta

Malta has experienced significant growth in its aviation sector, notably since 2010. In fact, in 2022, the Malta Aviation Register reported an outstanding 500% surge in registered aircraft within the past decade, bringing the total up to over 660 locally registered aircraft.

This is unsurprising, given the success of the Maltese maritime industry and Malta’s strategically advantageous location, which serves as a bridge between Europe and Africa.

Malta’s competitiveness as a jurisdiction in the aviation industry is considered a product of a plethora of advancements. These include the formation of an attractive legislative framework, the implementation of tax incentives, as well as the Maltese Government’s continuous efforts to promote Malta as an “aviation hub” – serving as a one-stop-shop for investors and other aviation main drivers.

By incorporating the Cape Town Convention and the Aircraft Protocol into the Maltese Aircraft Registration Act, a more effective and streamlined process for aircraft registrations has been established. This is further accompanied by competitive fees for both company formation and aircraft registrations.

Malta also maintains other advantageous features due to its membership in the European Union. This includes its affiliation with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which strives for the highest level of civil aviation safety within Europe. Those who register aircraft in Malta can benefit from commercial air traffic rights within the EU.

Why WH Partners

WH Partners excels at advisory on complex cross-border disputes and regulatory issues, within aviation. Our team works closely with complementary practice areas, including tax, corporate law, employment, dispute resolution and banking and finance, to provide seamless and integrated solutions. From assisting with sale-and-leaseback transactions to advising on aviation-related disputes and claims, we deliver practical legal support at every stage.