DC Aviation will be exhibiting at MEBA, Dubai 16-18 November 2008

DC Aviation is continuing on from its successful attendance at the EBACE by exhibiting at the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA)between the 16-18 November 2008. After this year's successful premiere as an exhibitor at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, DC Aviation, Germany's main provider of private jets, is exhibiting for the first time at the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) in Dubai. The MEBA ranks as one of the main exhibitions in the world for business aviation. It takes place for the third time at the Dubai Airport exhibition grounds from 16th to 18th November 2008. In the private aviation industry the Middle East sector ranks as one of the markets with the strongest growth, and thus rates as one of the most attractive. This is one of the reasons why we will be increasing our presence in the UAE in future. We are generally continuing to expand our international locations in order to offer our clients even greater service thanks to increased flexibility and exclusiveness on the spot, e.g. by stationing international fleets and key accounts. As a recent addition to the DC Aviation family, there will also be a presence from DC Aviation Ltd. in Malta. DC Aviation has plans to setup the first FBO in Malta in the next 12 months. DC Aviation is the only dedicated business jet handling company in Malta and will also act as a regional sales office for our ever expanding fleet of business aircraft. Both existing and potential clients are cordially invited to visit DC Aviation at this exhibitions. For an appointment you may contact me on stanley.bugeja@dc-aviation.com.mt

DC Aviation Ltd. - Launches new website

DC Aviation Ltd, the Maltese FBO in Malta has recently launched its website. http://www.dc-aviation.com.mt/. As the only dedicated business aviation company in Malta, DC Aviation is also the only FBO which provides a limo services on the ramp. DC Aviation allows gives its customer the option to book aircraft handling at Malta International Airport online through its website. We are informed that this was phase one of the website, and we are expect much revamped website as early as the first quarter of 2009.

History of Maltese Business Aviation

In some of my earlier posts, I have mentioned that the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation has issued the first AOC to a foreign based Lear 60XR. Further to the interest that the Maltese infrastructure is soliciting in the Business Aviation community, I thought that I expand a little further on this niche industry in Malta. Due to Malta's strategic geographical location, this island at the heart of the Mediterranean has always played an important role in international trade, even before the advent of the aircraft, in fact Malta has always played an important role in the maritime trade. Having been a colony of all the major empires, Phonecian, Roman, Arab, Knights of St. John, French and the British Colony, Malta has played an important part in the history of the Mediterranean. Having been a colony of the British Empire during World War II, Malta was introduced early first to military and then to commercial aviation. Malta had its aircraft register established in the sixties. Because of Malta's strategic importance, maritime industry, as well as our association and influence by the United Kingdom, although not a Geneva, London or Paris, Malta always had a steady flow of private and general aviation aircraft passing through. As Malta started to aspire to become a member of the European Union, and established itself as a respectable and stable democracy, with sound legal and financial legislation framework in the early nineties, Malta started seeing a number of business entrepreneurs who flew to our shores in their business jets. One can describe Capt. Lino Xuereb as a pioneer in this industry, having been the first person to set-up a company with a business jet based in Malta. Capt Xuereb got the first busness aircraft in the early nineties, a Citation II, which served both the local community of businessmen and individuals and corporations in the surrounding Mediterranean countries. Having got the first Maltese AOC with a business jet on its licence, Capt Xuereb never looked back, today he is the most experienced Maltese business jet pilot, and still is flying and running the only company with a business jet, a Lear 60, based in Malta. On the otherhand, myself at Sierra Aviation, established in 2002, Sierra Aviation, which todate remain the only company dedicated to business aviation services. As Malta became a full member of the EU, adopted the Euro and is a member of JAA/EASA, I feel Malta has a lot to offer to the business aviation community. Malta is not only strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean, offering a bridge between Europe and North Africa, but our 300 days of sunshine (no icing conditions), relatively low labour cost(in comparison with mainland Europe), excellent fiscal infrastructure within an EU environment, and of course internationally recognised aircraft operating infrastructure such as JAR OPS 1/EU-1. If one is shopping for an aircraft register Malta has a lot to offer, aircraft can be operated commercially and privately (Isle of Man on aircraft in the private category are allowed), freedom of movement (Swiss registered aircraft are not allowed to fly between Moscow and France, and are restricted with regards to internal flight in some EU countries), excellent fiscal benefits and yes why not great weather.

First Business Jet Manufacturer Visits Malta

April, 4th July 2008, Malta International Airport. Malta is fast gaining ground in the business aviation scene. Late in 2007, the first JAR-OPS AOC was issued for a company which will operate a Lear 60XR in Moscow. Last Friday, we experienced another first in this niche industry. Embraer, a Brasilian aircraft manufacturer, through the Executive Aircraft arm, landed in Malta with a Legacy 600. In collaboration with Sierra Aviation the aircraft was shown to a number of businessmen residing in Malta, both local and foreign. Christophe Fantapie, regional sales director for Embraer Executive Jets, stated that he definitely sees Malta's potential as very competitive institution where one could register, operate or manage a business jet. In view of Malta's now world renowned yacth register and Malta's maritime history, Embraer also sees the potential to showcase its executive aircraft. The existing Legacy 600, shortly the lighter Phenom 300 and Phenom 100 which will be released to service this year and next respectivley, Embraer offers high end business jets at very competitive prices, also banking on its experience as an aircraft constructor. Embraer boasts of a 99.98% dispatch reliability on its Legacy 600. A record which is second to none. Although Embraer, is expected to launch small mid size jet at EBACE in Geneva this year, once Embraer has demo aircraft of available in Europe for either of its Phenom line, Malta is sure to be on the agenda.

Malta, Fiscal Incentives, Business Aviation and Embraer

Malta a country with a population of just under 400,000, with one of the lowest GDP's in Europe surely cannot be a huge market for business jet aircraft? Here is the surprising part, Malta joined the EU in 2004 and the Eurozone in January 2008, and in the last weekend of March it has become also a Schengen Country. I here you say, "So?". Malta has a unique tax infrastructure approved by the EU whereby, anyone could take tax residence at very interesting fiscal incentives not only for individuals but also for organisations. A foreign individual who takes tax residence in Malta, is taxed at 15% on the income brought into Malta, whilst 0rganisatons who set up a real office in Malta, although still attract a corporate tax of 35%, the foreign shareholders are refunded 30% of the tax within 20 days. Malta is the first EU country to licence online gaming companies and has one of Europe's largest Super Yacth registry. Combine all of that with a legal framewaork based on British and European laws, English is not a second language but an official legal language together with Maltese, and the let's not forget the 300 days of sunshine all year round, Malta has seen a huge influx of high net worth individuals, organisations and foreign investment. Sierra Aviation, had forseen this potential back in 2002, and became the first company and is still todate the only company which is dedicated to business aviation. As the number of these individuals and organisations grow, and as Malta's profile through its EU connection continues to come to the forefront the more such people will travel to the island of Malta and call it home. Embraer is the first manufacturer to recognise this and will on the 4th April demo its flagship aircraft the Legacy 600 at Malta International airport. If you happen to be in Malta and are in the market for a new business jet contact Sierra Aviation for an appointment.

Business Jet Handling in Malta (LMML)

As the business community discovers Malta, not only as a country of sun, sand and fun, but also as a small european country with sound financial and advantageous fiscal infrastructures, we will continue to experience an increase in business jets landing at Malta's only international airport (LMML).

As an ex-British colony Malta is no surprise to the savvy British business man. Maltese are hard working and english is one our two national languages. Therefore it is no surprise the the first business jets landing at Malta International airport were from the UK. Businessmen, investing in the Maltese bouyant property market, enjoying the sailing boats berthed at one of the many marinas on the island or even setting up their own business using the Maltese infrastructure.

Malta (LMML or MLA) is not yet on par with other major European cities, such as the London airports, Swiss and French airports, but business and general aviation traffic has since 2002, (when Sierra Aviation was formed) always been on the increase.

Since our inception at Sierra Aviation, we had identified business aviation as a niche market where we could offer our services to these area of aviation which had until then been ignored. Without having our own FBO, we probably handle the majority of business jets coming to Malta. We have built a reputation over the years guaranteeing efficiency, security and service. We are the only handler who offer limo service next to the aircraft, payment of services right in the cockpit. In recent years although aircraft have longer ranges, we have seen an increase in operators choosing Malta LMML for a technical or fuel stop, because of the quick turn arounds possible. One must also say that Malta International Airport is open 24 hours, and Jet A1 in Malta is amongst the cheapest in Europe.

So whether you are passing through Malta for business or pleasure, whether you are an aircraft owner, an operator or a broker, don't take my word for it and next time round request Sierra Aviation's handling. For information on how to book your handling, visit our website, http://www.sierra-aviation.com/. You can even book online.

Business Aviation from Malta

1. Malta: Not just an island in sun
2. Business Jet Handling in Malta (LMML)
3. Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 1
4. Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 2
5. Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 3
6. Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 4
7. Embraer Legacy will be visting Malta
8. Embraer Demos Legacy 600 in Malta
9. Malta, Fiscal Incentives, Business Aviation and Embraer
10. History of Maltese Business Aviation
11. Tax Implications in Biz Aviation
12. EBACE 20 - 22 May Geneva, Switzerland