Practice Areas >Aviation & Shipping > Aircraft Registration > Why Malta
Serious Regulations, Serious Jurisdiction
The Maltese jurisdiction, over the years, has emerged as a reputable one when it comes to the registration of aircrafts. Being a Member of the European Union, legislation and regulations implemented at EU level are either directly applicable or transposed into Maltese law thus, ensuring significantly high standards of regulation which in turn safeguard the interests of all stakeholders within this sector, from operators to investors and creditors, amongst others.
Quick Registration Process & Low Costs
The registration of an aircraft in Malta is a relatively quick and straightforward process. Provided that all required documentation is submitted, the Civil Aviation Directorate (“CAD”) is efficient in its review and processing of applications for registration. The same applies to the process for setting up a Maltese registered company and one can have a Maltese company up and running within as little as three (3) working days following receipt of all requisite original documentation.
The relatively low costs payable to the CAD for registration contribute further to Malta’s attractiveness as a jurisdiction for registration of your aircraft.
Attractive Taxation Regime – Corporate & Personal Tax
Malta also boasts a number of interesting features as a tax jurisdiction having a suite of tax incentives applicable to companies and individuals. Additionally, the aviation sector in particular also benefits from specific regimes which are applicable both to aviation companies, owners of private and commercial Maltese registered aircrafts, as well as individuals working within the aviation industry.
Other fiscal benefits include the fact that aircrafts are not subject to stamp duty and that the importation of civil aircrafts to Malta doesn’t attract duty under Maltese law.
For further information on the various tax and fiscal benefits available to aircraft operators, please visit ‘Tax Incentives for Aviation’.
Free Movement in the Eurozone
As already mentioned, Malta has been a Member of the European Union since 2004 and thus, registration under the Malta Aircraft Registry will allow for the free movement of aircrafts within Europe.
Wide Registration Possibilities
Commercial and private aircrafts may be registered with the Malta Aircraft Registry. Moreover, any type of aircraft may be registered under the Malta Aircraft Registry from helicopters, to airframes, engines and even aircrafts which are under construction or aircrafts which are temporarily not being operated or managed.
Availability of Support Services
Being home to a vast array of airline services (such as aircraft and engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, aircraft management, leasing, aircraft maintenance training and other support services) means Malta is well experienced and has the know-how to ensure that this industry has the support it needs to manage and grow its operations.
Read more
Previous
Next
How we can help
Gonzi & Associates, Advocates boasts qualified professionals who have accumulated several years of experience in this area and who are well-equipped to provide the following:
- Assistance to clients in registering their aircraft in Malta;
- Obtaining Air Operator’s Certificates and Air Operator’s Licences;
- Provide advice on asset financing, insurance and aircraft leasing;
- Assistance with the registration of security interests over aircrafts;
- Assistance with tax planning in the realm of aviation;
- Assistance with the sale & acquisition of aircrafts; and
- Assistance with disputes involving aircrafts before the Maltese Courts and arbitration tribunal.