The CEO of a Latvia-based airline with a strong presence in Malta has praised the country’s “decisive actions to establish itself as a regional aviation hub” over the last five years.

SmartLynx Airlines CEO Edvinas Demenius said that there have been “significant improvements” in governmental policies and industry regulations.

This has “fostered an environment where aviation businesses can thrive, creating more jobs and generating income for the Government and benefiting local communities,” he said.

Mr Demenius also pointed out that most of the ACMI, charter and cargo operator’s fleet is registered in Malta, “and there is a reason for that.”

His comments came during a visit by Chris Bonett, the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works of Malta, to the SmartLynx Airlines office in Santa Venera.

The visit commemorated the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the SmartLynx Malta office and included discussions on current aviation topics and the airline's further development plans in Malta.

Currently, nearly 60 people work at the SmartLynx Malta office, with the team expected to grow as the demand for highly experienced aviation specialists continues.

In the coming years, the airline plans to expand its fleet registered under the Maltese AOC and attract more aviation talent, strengthening its presence in this regional aviation hub.

Malta's office is a key location for SmartLynx Administrative, Operational, and Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) specialists. Working in close coordination with offices in the Baltics and bases worldwide, the Malta team provides around-the-clock support for the 70-strong SmartLynx fleet.

"A lot has been done to establish an environment where the airlines feel comfortable and are able to grow,” said Minister Bonett.

“However, we recognise there is still room for improvement. The successful expansion of SmartLynx operations in Malta over the past five years proves that we're on the right path, and we are determined to continue this course in close cooperation with the industry."