The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) and KM Malta Airlines Ltd., Malta’s national carrier are working together to launch new cabin crew training programmes, including a diploma, to strengthen aviation education and workforce development in Malta.

Through a strategic cooperation agreement signed this week, the ITS and KM Malta are forging a partnership connecting education with industry, giving ITS students access to professional aviation experience and internationally recognised qualifications, while reinforcing Malta’s position as a hub for aviation and hospitality education.

The partnership includes a three-phase implementation plan to build a structured educational pathway in aviation and tourism.

The first phase, launching with immediate effect, will see the joint delivery of KM Malta Airlines’ existing short courses through its licensed Cabin Crew Training Organisation (CCTO), including the Cabin Crew Attestation Course delivered in full compliance with relevant regulations. Students will benefit from hands-on training delivered by certified instructors in an authentic aviation environment.

The second phase will focus on accrediting these courses within the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). ITS will enhance the curriculum with academic modules such as Customer Service Excellence, Professional Communication, and Sustainability in Air Transport, ensuring recognised academic standards while maintaining strong industry relevance.

The final phase will introduce a new Diploma in Aviation Hospitality Services, planned for launch in the 2027–2028 academic year. Jointly developed by ITS and KM Malta Airlines, the diploma will integrate aviation operations, hospitality management, and service leadership, preparing graduates for careers in cabin crew service, passenger operations, and aviation hospitality management.

Speaking at the signing, Hon. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, stated: “This agreement reflects the government’s commitment to continuously invest in our workforce, the most valuable asset of our tourism offering, by promoting tangible educational initiatives that meet the ever-changing needs of the industry. This partnership will give students in Malta and Gozo another opportunity to acquire globally relevant skills that can help them pursue rewarding careers in aviation and hospitality.”

Mr Pierre Fenech, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Tourism Studies, said: “This partnership merges academic quality with professional expertise. By accrediting aviation courses and introducing a dedicated Diploma in Aviation Hospitality Services, we are creating an academic route for future professionals who will strengthen Malta’s aviation and tourism industries.”

Mr David Curmi, Executive Chairman of KM Malta Airlines, added: “Today marks the launch of a strategic partnership between KM Malta Airlines and Institute of Tourism Studies, a collaboration built on a shared vision of shaping and developing Malta’s future aviation professionals through excellence, discipline, and service. This partnership bridges academic learning with real-world aviation practice. We are proud to collaborate with ITS in shaping the next generation of aviation professionals.”

The ITS and KM Malta Airlines partnership marks an important step for Malta’s education and tourism sectors, aligning academic accreditation with professional aviation training to produce industry-ready graduates.

Further information about the new training programmes, course dates, and applications will be announced in the coming weeks.