SPEECH BY THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES PROFS JOSEF BONNICI AT THE OFFICIAL INAUGURATION AND COMMISSIONING OF THREE NEW ROSENBAUER PANTHERS FIRE VEHICLES, AT THE MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

It is indeed a pleasure for me, as the Minister responsible for the Malta International Airport, to be present for the commissioning of these three new Rosenbauer Panthers fire tenders. This occasion follows closely upon the inauguration of the new Air Traffic Control Centre by the Prime Minister, barely two months ago. It is further proof, if one were required, of Government’s commitment to upgrade, in all possible ways, safety and security standards at the airport.

This occasion coincides also with the first ever ‘Aviation Fire Safety in the Mediterranean’ conference, which is being hosted by Malta International Airport plc. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the various delegates from all parts of the world for their participation and I have no doubt that in Malta they have found the best of our traditional warm hospitality. It is a great credit for the country to have been selected, by the International Aviation Fire Protection Association, as the venue for such an important event for the Mediterranean region. I do hope that the conference was a fruitful experience in the interest of the collective efforts to improve safety standards at airports.

This Government is committed to turn Malta into a regional hub for the aviation industry and related services, within the Mediterranean region. We are aware that this aim cannot be reached unless we continue to provide a safe and secure air travel environment. This can only be achieved by the ongoing upgrading of our security and safety standards to the highest levels possible.

Over the past 13 years, we have invested no less than Lm11 million to restructure and modernise the civil aviation section which currently forms part of Malta International Airport plc. Recent initiatives have included the installation of the Doppler Weather Radar, the installation of a new Holding Baggage Screening System, by which all baggage is now automatically screened, the replacement of the entire airfield perimeter security fence and the setting up of the new Air Traffic Control Centre. We have also invested heavily in equipment and human resources to enhance security procedures within the air terminal.

Indeed, today’s occasion bears witness to our commitment to continuous improvement of our airfield services and to invest in the latest technology and equipment to improve the level of safety at our airport. These new fire vehicles are among the most advanced and sophisticated fire vehicles available today and cost Lm600,000.

These fire vehicles are the most important aspect of a refurbishment and upgrading programme that MIA has undertaken to modernise its Fire Section. It also included the refurbishment and construction of a new administration block with offices, a lecture room for personnel training and even a gymnasium. It also incorporates a new watchtower for a better and wider perspective of the airfield. Firemen were also provided with new fire-fighting suits, whilst the four existing foam fire vehicles and one rapid intervention vehicle have been extensively refurbished.

I am pleased to say that with the new fire vehicles, Malta International Airport’s safety category has been upgraded to Category 9 according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, meaning that any type of aircraft in operation may now land at our airport.

To reach such high safety standards, it is equally important to have properly-trained and dedicated fire-fighters whose professional attitude is our biggest assurance that the highest levels of safety are achieved and maintained.

The heavy investment made so far clearly demonstrates that this Government is willing to invest without any compromises, wherever safety and security are concerned. This is a commitment that will continue into the future.