BizAv Services Ltd has teamed up with Germany’s Cockpit4U Aviation Service GmbH to provide new aviation training programmes and courses for pilots, cabin crew and engineers in Malta.

The courses, approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), will initially be offered on the Airbus 320 aircraft, with plans to extend the offerings to cover more of the most popular aircraft in use today, including the Airbus 330, 340 and 380, and the Boeing 737 and 777.

Speaking to WhosWho.mt, Captain Philip Apap Bologna, founder of BizAv, said the company will be offering training for the basic type rating (industry jargon for license) as well as for advanced type rating for experienced pilots who wish to further expand their skill set to become instructors.

“We have adapted to the climate engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic and cut prices by changing the way we design our programmes,” he explains. “This is a time when all businesses in the industry need to reassess their budgets, and training costs can be a significant burden.”

Capt. Apap Bologna calls the development “very exciting” and highlights its importance for Malta.

“We are starting to use Malta’s full potential as a training hub. With that comes the opportunity to promote Malta as a destination for aviation training.”

That dream may well be on its way to fruition, with Capt. Apap Bologna saying that a lot of interest has come from North Africa and Asia, as well as locally, with particular interest coming from the Gulf countries.

“We have been working on this for quite a few years. Now we have the right combination of partners to make it happen.”

The company also offers training for cabin crew and maintenance engineers through their training academy. “This is not only for those who want to get a new license or an upgrade,” he stresses, “but also for those who need to keep themselves abreast of the latest changes.”

“In aviation, it’s not only about the training. It’s also about how much you keep on top of developments.”

Cockpit4U Managing Director Capt. Christos Diamantopoulos said he was impressed at the steady and solid pace of growth in the Maltese aviation sector which is evidently the result of sound national aviation policy together with the right climate for private sector investment in Malta.

The partnership will also be offering crew flight training on Bombardier Challenger, Boeing and other Airbus aircraft at Cockpit4U’s specialised crew training facilities in Berlin.