Transport Malta and the UAS Center at SBD Announce Strategic Initiative

    VALLETTA, MALTA and SAN BERNARDINO, CA, March 09, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Transport Malta - Civil Aviation Directorate (www.transport.gov.mt), Malta's Civil Aviation Authority, together with the UAS Center at SBD (www.uascentersbd.com), today announced the establishment of a strategic initiative to expand the use of Malta's outstanding infrastructure by US drone manufacturers and software providers to support their research, development and global commercialization objectives.

Malta is recognized worldwide as a key hub for aviation, with UAS technology as an increasing focus. Malta's active government support for the UAS industry is a key differentiating factor, as well as their expertise in terms of coordinating with the European Union Safety Administration (EASA) and other critical government bodies.

This initiative, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding, provides a solid platform to leverage the capabilities of both entities, with the UAS Center at SBD serving as an advantageous Southern California testing and demonstration site for drone companies based in and around Malta.

"On behalf of CAD I would like to thank both the US Embassy and the UAS Center at SBD for the collaboration and we really look forward to taking this one step further for the benefit of all concerned," states Captain Charles Pace, Director General, CAD. "We certainly can assist and also gain experience through such cooperation and quality projects that come to our shores."

"The UAS Center at SBD, located onsite at SBD International Airport, the fastest growing airport in the United States for air cargo, is committed to the advancement and global competitiveness of US companies engaged in developing UAS technology," states Kimberly Benson, the UAS Center at SBD's Administrator. "Our partnership with Transport Malta will enable our client companies to scale in the European market more quickly and efficiently. Companies on both sides of the Atlantic will benefit from the unique advantages of our respective locations."

This partnership was made possible with the assistance of the US Department of Commerce's US Commercial Service working in tandem with the US Embassy in Malta to facilitate the relationship between the two parties. "Aerospace is an increasingly important sector for our regional economy, and we are thrilled to support the UAS Center at SBD's efforts to support the growth of US drone manufacturers and software providers as they partner with Transport Malta," said Eduard Roytberg, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service/International Trade Administration in Ontario, California.

About Transport Malta – The Authority promotes and develops the transport sector in Malta by means of proper regulation and by promotion and development of related services, businesses and other interests both locally and internationally.

About the UAS Center at SBD – The UAS Center at SBD is a testing and training center that combines skills and expertise for the development of unmanned aircraft systems. The Center facilitates the networking of scientific research institutions and industry for the ongoing development of UAS technology. It also advises public sector agencies and companies on enterprise-wide drone policy, standardization and integration.

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