An aviation company with an operational centre in Malta will be investing in six Converted Freighter 777 aircraft, which will be registered in Malta.

The company, Challenge Air Cargo, which carries Maltese cargo and employs workers in Malta, made the announcement during a press conference on Friday (today).

Prime Minister Robert Abela described this investment as another act of trust in Malta, highlighting its role in creating high-quality jobs that benefit local families.

This investment will complement the company’s existing fleet of three 767 Freighter aircraft. In recent years, Challenge Air Cargo, which primarily focuses on freight operations, has expanded to transport half a million tonnes of cargo annually. Since relocating its headquarters to Malta in 2018, the company has obtained an Air Operator Certificate and been recognised as an Approved Training Organisation. It currently employs approximately 140 people locally.

In his speech, Prime Minister Robert Abela recalled that five years ago, one of his initial commitments was related to the aviation sector. At the time, around 500 aircraft were registered under the Maltese flag. "Today, I am pleased to note that this number has risen to 920 aircraft.

"In less than five years, we have nearly doubled the number of registered aircraft. I look forward to reaching 1,000 aircraft in the coming months," he stated.

Dr Abela also referenced Malta Vision 2050, explaining that this initiative aims to drive the country’s various sectors toward digital and green transitions. "I am confident that, through consultation with all stakeholders, we will establish a strong foundation for implementing this vision. In the coming months, we will also focus on improving the quality of our workforce through reskilling and upskilling," he said.

He also reiterated the importance of the Labour Migration Policy, which aims to align workforce needs with national requirements while ensuring workers’ rights are protected.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works Chris Bonett highlighted that this investment aligns with the Government’s strategic direction for the aviation sector. He noted that Challenge Group has consistently expanded its operations and provided quality job opportunities.

"This project is part of a series of investments that have strengthened Malta’s position in the aviation industry. Today, we have over 900 aircraft registered under the Maltese flag, further enhancing our global connectivity," he concluded.