One of Malta’s ex-European Commissioners, Karmenu Vella, has been appointed consultant for aviation by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Ian Borg.

In confirming the appointment, and in a statement issued by the Department of Information, the Minister cited Mr Vella’s “vast experience in several important sectors for the country, not least in aviation,” saying that he “looked forward to more work with expert consultation so our country can continue moving forward.”

On his part, Mr Vella thanked the Minister for showing faith in him, adding that although he “is no longer directly involved in politics, he still looks forward to using the experience he has gained throughout the years to continue contributing to the progress of several sectors, including aviation,” the statement read.

Mr Vella served as Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure between 1981 and 1983, Minister for Industry and Trade between 1984 and 1987, Minister for Tourism between 1996 and 1998 and Minister for Tourism and Aviation between 2013 and 2014. He served as European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries between 2014 and 2019.