Interview of the month: Filippo Maria Arcaleni

As part of our new section "Inside the Network", this month we had the pleasure of speaking with Filippo Maria Arcaleni, Head of Business Development, InariLaw, Malta and Vice-Chair of the Aviation Lawyers Committee of the European Business Aviation Association.

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OSS: We are very pleased to include your insights in this edition of our Newsletter and look forward to sharing your experience with our readers. To begin, we’d like to explore the context in which you operate: Malta’s special position in the European aviation landscape.

OSS: Malta plays a distinctive role in the European aviation sector. From your perspective, what does it mean to work in aviation law within this unique regulatory and business environment?

Filippo Maria Arcaleni: Personally, it is a very interesting experience. Working in aviation law — particularly in Business Aviation — in Malta means operating within a dynamic and evolving environment that combines local regulation with an increasingly international outlook, while collaborating with a proactive and forward-thinking authority.

We benefit from a close and constructive relationship with our regulators, who are supportive and committed to fostering the sector’s growth. The continued dedication of the Government and Transport Malta to maintaining high standards of compliance, safety, and innovation makes Malta an attractive jurisdiction for the aviation industry, and especially for Business Aviation.

This framework and local environment, paired with a strong business-oriented approach, enable legal professionals to work closely with both regulators and industry stakeholders, ensuring that the sector remains competitive and aligned with European and global standards.

OSS: What particular challenges does your jurisdiction present when enforcing EU passenger rights regulations?

Filippo Maria Arcaleni: Overall, we do not face significant challenges in enforcing EU passenger rights regulations within our jurisdiction.

Both the EU and local legal frameworks are well-established. The only aspect that can occasionally present a challenge is the duration of court proceedings, which at times may take longer than expected.

OSS: Is there a recent legal development or case in your country that you would like to share with your aviation lawyer colleagues across Europe?

Filippo Maria Arcaleni: A recent legal development in Maltese aviation is the Air Navigation Act, Chapter 641 of 2024, which modernizes and consolidates previous air navigation legislation. The Act, which came into force on January 1st, 2024, updates the legal framework to better support the aviation industry in Malta and its continued growth.

It applies to all aircraft registered in Malta and their crews, as well as to any aircraft operating within Maltese territory, while excluding state aircraft and related operations. The Act also defines the role and responsibilities of Malta’s competent authority, including the regulation of aircraft navigation, ensuring compliance with international and EU aviation standards, issuing regulatory instruments, and overseeing safety and enforcement measures.

OSS: As a legal tech company, we’re always curious to hear how our partners use technology in their daily work. Could you share an example of how digital tools has helped you streamline casework, improve communication, or enhance your overall workflow?

Filippo Maria Arcaleni: In every industry, the use of digital tools helps simplify processes, stay organized, and manage work more efficiently. At the same time, as a law firm, we place great value on human interaction and judgment.

While AI-driven tools are becoming an increasingly important part of our workflow, we view them as a means of support rather than a replacement. After all, these systems are only as effective as the data behind them, and many aspects of our work still rely on human insight, creativity, and experience.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between technology and the human element is what truly enables us to deliver the best results.

OSS: As Vice Chair of the Aviation Lawyers Committee (AMAC) of the European Business Aviation Association—whose mission is to identify legal and regulatory issues requiring attention at the European level through research and comparative analysis—what topics are currently at the forefront of the committee’s agenda?

Filippo Maria Arcaleni: Especially at EU level, and in some cases unfortunately also at national level, we are witnessing an over-production of legislation (often not adequate to our industry). In fact, certain regulatory frameworks have become too restrictive, creating unnecessary burdens, particularly for small and medium-sized companies who play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and competitive market.

As a committee, we are working to identify and advocate, with the support of the EBAA and its members, for changes that encourage fair competition, reduce excessive administrative hurdles, and promote greater accessibility for new and diverse players in the industry. We also keep a close match on issues that can limit growth and innovation. Our aim is to help shape a regulatory environment that supports sustainability, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness across the European aviation landscape.

Thank you for the interview!