The National Aerospace Center, first discussed in 2015 by then Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis, is just one chapter in the annals of history. In an exclusive interview with MAviO News David, Zammit Mangion confirmed that the entire project, which was officially launched in 2016, has been discontinued and the successes of his work have been taken over by the Institute of Aerospace Technologies at the University of Malta.

During a visit by Minister Owen Bonnici, who is responsible for research, innovation and the coordination of the post-COVID-19 strategy, he praised the work of the institute and the deep-rooted collaboration with key players in the industry including Airbus and Thales. The minister was guided through the institute by the chairman of the institute, Professor Ernest Cachia.

David Zammit Mangion also selected the Maltese company Quaero for their contributions during the research carried out by the university. The director of Quaero, Captain Alan Muscat, gave a short presentation on the research carried out in the presence of his colleague, Captain Karl Falzon, thanks to the grant of 400.000 euros from the Malta Council for Science and Technology.

The Institute of Aerospace Technologies had also formed a strategic alliance with Embry-Riddle University to offer online aviation courses for undergraduate and graduate students. This project is still ongoing and Professor Zammit Mangion confirmed that everything is on the right track. The IAT is expected to welcome its first enrolled students in the coming months, as outlined in the original plan. The Institute of Aerospace Technologies has some of the island's finest minds in the aviation field, including Dr. Jason Gauci, Dr. Robert Camilleri and Johan Debattista among others. In addition to focusing on research, the IAT also plays an important role in giving Maltese youth the opportunity to specialize in the field of aviation.

This post was written by:

Chris Cauchi (MAviO News)