A new international operator is set to take over operations at Safi Aviation Park following the exit of Malta Aviation Cosmetics, in a move that secures existing jobs and brings fresh investment into the sector.Global aviation services provider International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) will step in as the new operator at the site, establishing a facility focused on aircraft design and painting.The transition follows the recent eviction of Malta Aviation Cosmetics from the Safi facility, which had raised concerns over the future of the workforce and the continuity of operations.According to Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, the agreement ensures that all 58 employees previously working with Aviation Cosmetics will be retained and transferred to the new operator. Authorities confirmed that outstanding wages owed to the workers have also been settled.The deal is structured through a long-term lease agreement and is expected to stabilise operations at the site after a period of uncertainty.Beyond job retention, the investment is also expected to expand the facility’s workforce to around 90 employees over the next three years, as IAC scales its operations.Schembri described the development as an example of turning a challenging situation into an economic opportunity, combining worker protection with foreign direct investment.The project forms part of Malta’s broader strategy to attract high-value investment in specialised sectors, in line with its Vision 2050 framework.General Workers’ Union Secretary General Josef Bugeja said the outcome follows months of work to secure both outstanding wages and long-term employment for the affected workers.From an industry perspective, the entry of IAC introduces a new international operator into Malta’s aviation services sector, which has traditionally focused on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities.Martin O Connell, Group Chief Executive Officer of IAC, said Malta’s location makes it a strategic hub for servicing clients across Europe and beyond.Founded in 1980, IAC operates 10 facilities across Europe and the United States, handling more than 800 aircraft painting projects annually, alongside a similar number of aviation service operations.The company’s expansion into Malta is expected to strengthen the country’s position in specialised aviation services, particularly in aircraft painting and finishing.While the immediate priority is the transition of operations and workforce, the longer-term impact will depend on the facility’s ability to attract sustained demand and integrate into global aviation networks.•