The student organization, TSA (Tourism Studies Association), aimed at bridging the gap between students and the tourism industry, held the annual Conference yesterday. This year’s theme was Career Progression in the Aviation Industry, intended to discuss students’ prospects with regards to the aviation industry through a panel of esteemed and experienced guests.
Mr Gilbert Amato Gauci, TSA’s President, opened the conference outlining the organisation’s start and its success throughout the years, including its participation in the ITB- World travel and tourism fair in Berlin, earlier this year. Mr Gauci also pointed out the great impact of the aviation industry on today’s economy, describing it as “an instrument of peace amongst people.”
The Malta Tourism Authority’s Chairman, Dr Gavin Gulia, then described the wrong impression many people have with regards to aviation. It is more than solely the airlines, airports, pilots and cabin crew. The industry is multi-faceted and is evolving thanks to new technologies. It is a nomadic industry considered to be the safest means of efficient transport. Dr Gulia touched upon long-haul travel, including business jet operators, which provide a luxurious yet safe journey. Locally, there are presently around 20 renown registered companies from this business jet operation.
Giving his view through his experience at Air Malta, Ing. Silvio Falzon, Air Malta’s Chief Operations Officer, described the various advances this industry has been through. He discussed the numerous opportunities which are available today and the many other supporting activities maintaining an airline operation.
Speaking on behalf of Medavia, the head of Human Resources and Corporate Communications of this aviation company, Mr Roderick Cutajar, described the significant growth of Malta’s aviation. With regards to the recruitment aspect, Mr Cutajar pointed out that attracting talent entails heavy investments in marketing and corporate branding. Leadership also plays a pivotal role in the message it conveys to the community in general, yet, ultimately, companies that transform themselves from good to great are those which really value the people’s contribution. Advising prospective students, Mr Cutajar notified the audience to be optimistic and to embrace opportunities while putting great effort into their studies due to the fierce competition there is out there.
Mr Cutajar also spoke about the advisory role of the Human Resources. One must build a trustworthy relationship while voicing the employee’s rights. Medavia’s strategy involves the studying of every individual role and performance on a regular basis, including assigning a grade to every role in order to assure fair compensation
Mr Johan Debattista, speaking on behalf of the Malta Air Traffic Services, emphasised the great potential there currently is in Malta. He explained that Air Traffic Control does not simply involve the person assigned with the giving of directions for take off or landing. Its functions go beyond this.
The conference went on to a panel, presented by Matthew Sargent, between the previous speakers together with Captain Patrick Calleja, a pilot for Air Malta, and Mr Alfred Quintano, on behalf of the University’s Institute for Tourism, Travel and Culture.
The discussion kicked off with a perspective on how high one’s prospective may be with regards to embracing a career within the aircraft industry in Malta, specifically, for University students. Ing. Falzon noted that jobs with respect to Human Resources within Air Malta are presently scarce. Yet, ground handling is growing at a very fast rate. On the other hand, Mr Cutajar explained that it has given young Maltese talent huge job opportunities.
Unfortunately, the backbone of Medavia has always been linked with operations in Libya. When asked about how this unsettled geographical situation has affected jobs at Medavia, Mr Cutajar confirmed that it has disturbed the company greatly, especially financially since it is a Libyan managed organisation, which makes it even harder for the company to accept change. Commenting on this, Mr Quintano pointed out that one must look at the whole unsettled geo-political situation in the Mediterranean, not just Libya.
Touching upon the subject of job requirements, Mr. Debattista described the work involved in Air Traffic Controlling is quite stressful, hence, applicants with qualifications are preferred. Candidates within this area of the industry must undergo a process of electronic exams leading to a tough course one must succeed in. He also addressed the subject of gender equality. The industry makes no discrimination between females and males.
Speaking from the experience of a pilot, Cpt. Calleja emphasized that graduating from Tourism studies at University level does aid prospective pilots. He described the change that the role of a pilot has undergone. It is necessary for one to have a management skill rather than technical background in pursuing such a career.
Concluding the event, Mr Antoine Borg, Shadow Spokesperson in Parliament for the Opposition, described how life is a continued learning experience. Aviation stands out as one of the fastest growing sectors in the local and global area. He described that the demand for aviation professionals is already exceeding the supply to meet the ever-growing demand of professional personnel.
