Air Malta announced that it is proud to be the first Maltese Operator out of more than 20 operators holding an Air Operators Certificate (AOC), to have successfully completed the transition to the new European Regulations.

The national airline has subsequently been issued with a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AOC in July 2014 from the Civil Aviation Directorate of Transport Malta.

The airline had to follow Commission Regulation (EU) No. 965 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to air operations particularly those requirements for Commercial Air Transport.

The extensive process for applying and obtaining regulatory approval involved a gap analysis between the current and new legislation. In order to comply with the new Regulations and transition to an EASA AOC, Air Malta was required to perform a thorough review of all policies and procedures.

One of the main changes in the new legislation involves having a Safety Management System (SMS), which replaces the current Accident Prevention and Flight Safety Programme. Air Malta introduced SMS over last winter, and in the process changed its safety processes and held appropriate SMS training for its entire workforce. SMS is a powerful tool in enhancing safety within an airline.

On presentation of the Air Operators Certificate (AOC), Louis Giordimaina, Air Malta’s Chief Executive Officer said: “Once again, our national airline has demonstrated to be the leader in the industry on our Islands and this is due to our experienced human resources in the area.”

Air Malta also announced the appointment of a new Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, saying that it has begun a drive to rebuild its management team, starting with the appointment of Mr Joseph Galea as Deputy Chief Commercial Officer.

Mr Galea, 50, has worked for Malta’s tourism sector for the past 23 years, most recently as the International Marketing Director for Malta Tourism Authority.

He has served as International Marketing Director of MTA since November 2006 and was directly responsible for positioning the Maltese islands in various overseas markets.

The airline has also issued an international call to assume the post of Chief Commercial Officer, formerly held by Mr Philip Saunders.

Mr Galea will succeed the selected Chief Commercial Officer after a definite three-year period, during which he will gain sufficient airline experience to steer the commercial department.

“It is clear that Air Malta’s management team must enjoy a deep love and understanding of the product they are selling. However, it is extremely difficult to find Maltese candidates who also have the necessary commercial airline experience for such a role. Through these appointments, we will be using international expertise to develop Maltese talent. This type of succession planning, which has been absent from the airline in recent years, ensures continuity for years to come,” said Air Malta chairperson Maria Micallef.

CEO Louis Giordimaina said, “Air Malta once again finds itself at a crucial juncture. Revenues are under pressure due to increased competition and the suspension of Libya, one of our profitable routes. The Chief Commercial Officer and his deputy will be immediately tasked with finding ways to develop a top revenue line which is healthy and sustainable, two things which continue to evade the airline despite the ongoing implementation of the restructuring plan.”

Mr Galea has spent years developing relationships with key international stakeholders, including tour operators and conference/event organisers. He will be in an ideal position to enhance and create new revenue streams for the airline.

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