From the CASA C-212 to the Airbus A380

MAviO had to dig deep in its archives to unearth this gem. An interview done by ex-TMIS columnist and journalist Marie Benoit which was featured in Malta this Month more than 25 years ago (Feb ’96).

Captain Anton Galea hardly needs any introduction having played a pivotal role in securing the first high-profile client for the nascent Malta Aircraft Register way back in 2009. Captain Galea started his career at Med Avia flying the sturdy CASA C-212 Aviocar in the Libyan desert before moving to the national airline in December 1984. In 2008, he joined Comlux where he formed part of the senior management team at Comlux Malta. During January 2009, together with then Minister Austin Gatt he addressed the press on board the Airbus A318 Elite registered 9H-AFL.

After Med Avia and Air Malta Captain Anton Galea moved to Comlux Malta where he played a major role in securing the first high-profile customer for the nascent Malta Aircraft Register. Here he is seen flanked by then Minister Austin Gatt while addressing the press.

After his stint at Comlux, Captain Anton Galea moved to the Middle East where he reached the pinnacle of his aviation career as an A380 captain at Emirates. However Captain Galea’s biggest contribution to the Maltese aviation scene will probably always be the central role he played in securing the move of Comlux to the Maltese register. During those embryonic stages, the other companies that started making an appearance were mostly second operators which were largely unheard of. The Comlux move put the Maltese Aircraft Register firmly on the radar screen of other key players that followed suit.

This Airbus A318 Elite registered 9H-AFL was towed in front of the VIP Lounge at Malta International Airport. The press conference was held on board the VVIP aircraft