Expert Aviation Legal & Advisory Services in Malta

Advisory services

Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean, its full EU membership, and its robust regulatory framework make it a leading jurisdiction for aviation. The country offers significant tax advantages, a highly skilled English-speaking workforce, and adherence to the highest international safety standards, including the Cape Town Convention. By choosing Malta, aircraft owners and operators benefit from a stable political and economic environment, ensuring security and efficiency for their aviation assets.

Why Malta is a Premier Aviation Hub

A clear understanding of the often complex legal and regulatory arrangements is essential if aviation companies are to maximise the benefits of choosing the right location. Through experience, expertise and business relationships, we have the insight needed to advise aircraft owners, operators, lessors and financiers who are considering the advantages of Malta’s aviation services. We have the know-how to deliver what is required to ensure the best outcome.

Aircraft registration

As an owner, operator, lessor or financier, you’ll seek the most suitable location to register your aircraft, while considering geographical position, market access, compliance with recognised safety standards, competitive fees and fiscal advantages. Acumum has a clear understanding of these areas as well as operational experience within the aircraft registry sector to provide the services needed.

Aircraft Registration and Administration

As an owner, operator, lessor or financier, you’ll seek the most suitable location to register your aircraft. Key considerations include geographical position, market access, compliance with recognised safety standards, competitive fees, and fiscal advantages. Acumum’s deep operational experience within the aircraft registry sector allows us to manage all aspects of the registration process, from initial application to ongoing administrative compliance, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for our clients.

Air Operator Certificate (AOC) Assistance

Securing an Air Operator Certificate is a critical step for commercial air transport operators. We provide expert guidance through the complex application and certification process with the Transport Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (TM-CAD). Our team helps you meet all operational and safety requirements to launch your commercial aviation venture successfully.

Financial Optimisation and Tax Structuring

In addition to selecting the right registry, aircraft owners and financiers must establish structures to take advantage of local concessions. We specialise in helping individuals and companies explore potentially complex financial arrangements, such as leasing and security agreements, and establish a structure best suited to provide clear tax benefits and long-term financial efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registering an aircraft in Malta offers numerous advantages, including a reputable EU jurisdiction, attractive tax incentives, low registration costs, and robust creditor protection under the Cape Town Convention. Malta’s register is open to both private and commercial aircraft.

An aircraft can be registered in Malta by a citizen of Malta, the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland. It can also be registered by a company or entity formed and registered in Malta or another EU/EEA member state, provided it has a local resident agent if its principal place of business is outside Malta. Our team can assist in establishing the appropriate corporate structure.

An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is the approval granted by a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use its aircraft for commercial purposes. This certificate is mandatory and ensures the operator complies with all relevant safety, operational, and regulatory standards.

Our legal team provides expert advice on aircraft financing, leasing agreements, and security arrangements. We assist with drafting and reviewing contracts, establishing tax-efficient ownership structures, and ensuring all transactions are compliant with Maltese and international aviation law to protect your assets and investments.