Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1471309
NEWS 5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 JUNE 2022 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Ryanair's Eddie Wilson said operations will start in October with one maintenance bay, and employing 20 people. The pro- ject will eventually grow to em- ploy 250 and accommodate four bays. "This is a substantial vote of confidence in Malta by Ryanair group. We want to cement our relationship with Malta, which will be Ryanair's 12th MRO base in Europe," Wilson said. The Prime Minister said that Ryanair was now transforming its Maltese operations, and cre- ating a complete service hub. He said that the MRO sector in Malta currently employs 1,000 people, meaning that Ryanair was committed to growing the sector by 25%. Ryanair's new investment in- to Malta will improve Malta's reputation in the MRO sector. We want to incentivise further research and development, cre- ating quality careers and diversi- fying the economy," Abela said. Abela said that the education- al institutions were ready to prepare the workforce for the industry but stressed that the technical upskilling programs had to be led by the industry it- self. Miriam Dalli said that Ryanair was showcasing Malta's capabil- ities and excellency in the avia- tion sector. "We want to elevate Malta's position in the sector and we want to support companies whose prototypes could be suc- cessful in Malta. Malta is truly open for business," Dalli said. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said Malta was estab- lishing itself as a quintessential investment location in aviation. "We want to make Malta's in- dustrial infrastructure future proof," Schembri said. Ryanair Malta MRO facility will create 250 jobs "As the largest airline serving Malta, Ryanair is delighted to open this new maintenance centre. Ryanair creates opportunities for highly skilled engineering jobs, with our industry leading rosters and youngest fleet in Europe." - Eddie Wilson Enterprise minister Miriam Dalli, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson, Prime Minister Robert Abela, Malta Air CEO David O'Brien, Economy minister Silvio Schembri