Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) and KM Malta Airlines have announced a strategic partnership to introduce new cabin crew training programmes, including plans for a dedicated diploma in aviation hospitality services.

The agreement aims to create a structured educational pathway linking academic training with real-world aviation experience, as Malta continues to position itself as a hub for tourism and aviation services.

The initiative will be implemented in three phases.

The first phase, effective immediately, will see ITS collaborate with KM Malta Airlines’ licensed Cabin Crew Training Organisation (CCTO) to deliver existing short aviation courses. These include the Cabin Crew Attestation Course, which will be offered in compliance with relevant aviation regulations. Training will be delivered by certified instructors, providing students with hands-on experience in an operational aviation setting.

The second phase will focus on accrediting the courses within the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework. ITS plans to enhance the curriculum with academic modules covering areas such as customer service excellence, professional communication and sustainability in air transport, ensuring that industry training is aligned with recognised academic standards.

The final phase will introduce a new Diploma in Aviation Hospitality Services, targeted for launch in the 2027–2028 academic year. The diploma will integrate aviation operations, hospitality management and service leadership, preparing graduates for roles in cabin crew service, passenger operations and aviation hospitality management.

Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, described the agreement as part of broader efforts to invest in workforce development within Malta’s tourism ecosystem.

ITS Chief Executive Officer Pierre Fenech said the partnership combines academic quality with professional expertise, creating a formal academic route for careers in aviation.

Meanwhile, David Curmi, Executive Chairman of KM Malta Airlines, said the collaboration aims to bridge classroom learning with operational aviation practice.

Further details regarding course schedules and applications are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.