Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela has inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art facility at Malta International Airport, which will also include a six-slot narrow-body aircraft maintenance hangar.

The investment totals EUR 42 million and should result in the Swiss-headquartered company doubling its workforce. SR Technics already has facilities on the island, at Safi Aviation Park, where the company started operations in 2010. The company, whose origins date back to Swissair Technical Services more than 50 years ago, is now owned by the HNA Group and the Mubadala Development Company.

The Prime Minister's speech also shed light on a new educational institution that will be entirely dedicated to the aviation industry. While the Prime Minister did not go into further detail, it appears that this new Maltese aviation college will be entirely independent of the courses currently offered by the Malta College of Arts, Sciences and Technology. The MCAST already has an EASA 147 license and has already successfully recruited young people for training in the fields of aircraft technology and ground handling.

Also speaking at the event was Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development, Dr. Miriam Dalli, who stressed that this new investment will create a multitude of opportunities for young Maltese. She reiterated that the investment in the six-aisle hangar and associated offices will make Malta a center of excellence for aircraft maintenance and repair.

SR Technics CEO Jean-Marc Lenz highlighted SR Technics' success story since the first investment on the island, which began with humble beginnings in 2010 and culminated with the inauguration of a six-slot hangar. He added that SR Technics is now synonymous with quality, excellent technical service and reasonable prices on the island. He also praised the local staff and the efficiency with which they work once assigned a task.

The event was very impressive with a spectacular laser show and a magnificent performance by aerialists hanging from the ceiling of the huge hangar, while three Airbus A320s from easyJet, Vueling and Air Malta served as impressive backdrops.

This post was written by: Chris Cauchi / MAviO News