6 minute read
Driven by Passion and Love Capt. Charles Pace
BY CORYSE BORG
As Director General of the Civil Aviation Directorate, it is the responsibility of Director General Capt. Charles Pace to, first and foremost, ensure that the directorate is fulfilling its regulatory obligations as laid out in the Authority for Transport in Malta Act and to attract more foreign direct investment. He tells Movers and Shakers more about the past present and future of the CAD, and about what makes him tick.
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Capt. Charles Pace has been in the aviation industry for nearly 44 years now, having started out with Air Malta in 1978. He has occupied several roles, ranging from flight attendant to chief pilot.
The Civil Aviation Directorate has grown significantly in recent years, both in its size and the scope of its work. The industry has increased significantly, going from practically nothing to having what is probably the fastest growing aircraft registry by attracting major industry players such as Malta Air and Lauda Air,
Wizzair, Lufthansa and many others.
Today, it has 670 registered aircraft and if things go according to plan, the numbers will continue to increase, says Capt. Pace. The Directorate is also responsible for the oversight of helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. This growth has significantly increased their workload and the responsibilities.
“In essence, the Civil Aviation Directorate is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of aviation in Malta,” he explains, “We issue licenses to companies and individuals who want to operate out of Malta and oversee their activities to ensure safe operations within the parameters of international regulatory frameworks.”
The directorate is also tasked with furthering the aviation sector in Malta. It is constantly engaging with industry stakeholders and promoting Malta as an ideal jurisdiction for aviation. The growth in the number of aircraft registered in Malta and the relocation of major European airlines to Malta is testament to the success of these efforts in recent years, he adds.
Practically all the players in the local aviation industry are foreign and tend not to know their way around Malta and its business landscape, he explains. In most cases, in addition to the assistance provided by the CAD, companies looking to set up operations in Malta will require technical assistance over and above that related to aviation. “The Malta Chamber and other official bodies, like the Malta Business Aviation Association, act as a reference point for foreign investors and facilitate the process of them doing business in Malta. Through the Chamber, the industry is also able to offer its feedback and makes suggestions on how local legislation and work practices can be improved to increase efficiency,” says Capt. Pace.
Capt. Pace is adamant that without the necessary talent and resources enabling the directorate to continue growing, they will not be able to match these expectations and would risk undoing much of the progress that has already been made:
“Since being appointed Director General, I would say that the biggest challenge has been acting as the bridge between the fastpaced and sophisticated aviation sector and the often lethargic and bureaucratic civil service. In my view, the local industry’s main priority at the moment should be removing unnecessary bureaucracy because it is the only way we can continue to attract further investment while
also ensuring proper oversight of the airlines we already have.”
Capt. Pace explains that Malta faces harsh competition from other countries which are also aiming to be the jurisdiction of choice for aviation companies, adding that certain inefficiencies in the way the civil service engages with the directorate can often hinder its ability to cater for the industry’s needs and place Malta at a disadvantage.
“At the end of the day, regulating an industry like aviation requires extremely knowledgeable and driven people working in every part of the sector. Established airlines as well as prospective investors need an effective and efficient regulatory body that they can engage with throughout the whole process of setting up a Maltese airline,” he states. In his life – and in his long and fulfilling career – Capt. Pace says that he has been inspired “by real talent and by commitment. By people who strive for excellence and whose mindset does not allow them to accept anything but that. People with vision, who are constantly challenging the system and the status quo and who can produce real value, be it through art, business, or sport.” He says that he continues to be driven by passion and love for an industry which he feels has given him so much over the years, and one he would like to see growing:
“I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing people who were part and parcel of everything I’ve done. If you manage to have a good team, the job becomes a lot easier and the Tea or coffee? Tea rewards become bigger. I don’t Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise believe in taking a half-baked Sweet or savoury? Sweet approached to anything in life and Books or television? TV I’ve been fully dedicated to every Working alone or in a team? Team role I’ve held over the years. During Summer or winter? Summer my flying career I was driven by Android or iOS? Android respect for both passengers and City breaks or country holidays? Country crew, and by the obligation to never compromise on their safety. Proper preparation has always been key.” When he is not at work, Capt. Pace is a football aficionado… although he admits that this pastime is not as relaxing as it could be: “As a Leeds United supporter I must say the sport has had a habit of aggravating me more than it does relax me! To truly relax, I enjoy music and cinema and taking care of my olive trees.” M+S
