MACE 2020

The second Malta Aviation Conference & Expo (MACE), a B2B and B2C aviation conference and networking event in Malta, was held between the 18th and 20th November 2020.

Due to COVID-19 restrictive measures, the conference was held online, and featured inspiring and educational live keynote speakers, a virtual expo, virtual networking opportunities, live meeting rooms, and more.

The main aim of the event was to create an environment of collaboration and cooperation for aviation leaders to come together and help each other succeed, profit and thrive, during an unprecedented period, but also with a keen view towards the future of the industry. In fact, the focus in 2020 was on a Sustainable Aviation Industry through the Finance, Operations and Regulatory perspectives. Delegates had the opportunity to participate in live panel debates, meet industry suppliers and discuss the above-mentioned themes with regulatory officials, industry professionals and subject matter experts.

For the second year running, the event was supported by Transport Malta, and was held under the patronage of the MBAA (Malta Business Aviation Association).

Speaking at the launch of MACE 2020 during a Press Conference, Jonathan Dalli and Stanley Bugeja, Co-Founders of MACE said: “Following the success of last year’s conference, during which more than 350 delegates participated, MACE is set to keep its position as Malta’s biggest ever conference and expo to be held on the island, albeit in a virtual environment this year. With the theme this year being very much in line with ongoing global debates being discussed in the aviation industry, our online platform is geared up to cater for a near-physical event as much as possible.”

Captain Charles Pace, Director General for Civil Aviation at Transport Malta, expressed his satisfaction to see MACE taking place once again despite the current situation. “I am looking forward to 3 days of discussion and a mature debate; and I am sure that the list of distinguished speakers will make it all worthwhile.”

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, the Hon. Dr. Ian Borg said, “Events like MACE provide stakeholders with a platform for dialogue and discussion. Only by bringing together our experiences and ideas can we move forward towards sustainable success. Government will remain behind the aviation sector and we will continue striving to improve the situation for our hard-working industry. The numbers speak for themselves – trust in our registry and our Civil Aviation Directorate has not decreased but increased, with a greater number of aircraft now at 495 than before these challenging times began. But it has been far from easy for the sector, and we are determined to work together towards sustainable growth and future success.”

MACE 2020 included local and international policy makers, operators, aviation industry professionals, legal and regulatory consultants and global users.