Convenience versus the politics of Conviction

Way back on the 22nd Novermber 2006, the Cabinet asked MEPA for guidelines on extending Gozo airstrip.

I found this report on the Business Today newspaper - a report by Karl Stagno-Navarra.

It said that the Government was set to ask the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for guidelines over the proposed extension of the current Xewkija heliport and to turn it into a landing strip, capable of allowing a light fixed-wing aircraft to service Gozo’s tourism needs.

Business Today was informed that the issue regarding the use of fixed-wing aircraft as an alternative to the now defunct helicopter service has been discussed informally in Cabinet, early that week of November 2006.

The then Minsiter Censu Galea, and Giovanna Debono have recently been approached by potential operators as well as constituted bodies who have urged them to consider the proposal seriously. It has been decided that an ad hoc committee has been set up made up of the representatives of various sectors to compile an assessment and report back to ministers on the options and viability of such a service.

Members of MEPA are represented in the committee and have already carried out an onsite inspection.

Speaking to Business Today, Gozo minister Giovanna Debono explained that government still has all its options open including analysing the proposal for a wet ease by Helisureste.

An expression of interest would be drafted only after the assessment report is completed. Government has also said it could opt for an open market.

“Government is moving speedily on this matter,” Debono told this newspaper.

Yesterday night, Opposition leader Alfred Sant said Labour’s proposal was to subsidise the helicopter service.

Synergy Aviation of Surrey, UK was the first company to register its interest with government to offer a fixed-wing airlink service between Malta and Gozo.

In an interview with Business Today, 35-year-old pilot and Synergy Aviation director Glen Heavens reveals his intentions to service the two islands with a seven to nine-seater Islander aircraft, and offer it at Lm25 with return.

While explaining that all he needs is an extra 220 metres of airstrip at the existing Xewkija heliport in Gozo, Glen Heavens explains that he is interested in servicing Gozo with its immediate neighbours in the region, introducing flights to
Palermo, Catania, Reggio Calabria,Lampedusa, Pantelleria, Tunis and Tripoli.

The furthest flight-time is estimated to be one hour and ten minutes, while flying between Malta and Gozo would take less than ten minutes.

Glen Heavens’s project is thoroughly supported by the business community in Gozo, and
both the Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo Business Chamber have voiced their support for the initiative, and are recommending to government that the fixed-wing operation is the best way forward.

The news about Synergy Aviation, revealed last week by this paper, has triggered quite some interest amongst different sectors. Synergy executives have this week met with Air Malta officials over passenger handling,and were reported to have been
“extremely good”.

May I remind the readers of this blog that all this occurred in 2006.

I never heard of the outcome of the workings of the ad hoc committee. Did you?

I don't know neither what happened to the studies compiled and the assessment (if these ever took place). Do you?

Did you hear anything about MEPA's guidelines? I did not.

Do I know of the options and viability of such a service?
Answer is NO.



Conclusion: This is an example of politics run by conveniences and not by convictions.

The businessmen are marching in...ouch ouch

The Times of Malta decided to give a short account of the presentation of his idea of an airstrip for Gozo The Times reported thus: "A blind Gozitan resident made a presentation on the long-running idea of building an airstrip allowing small passenger aircraft to land in Gozo."

Roy S. Perry, a blind ex-pat residing in Qala, expressed frustration saying that "Gozitan organisations have not exerted enough pressure on the government to improve tourist numbers on the island."

Frank Salt, obviously a supporter of the idea, noted that "It takes a blind man to put forward sensible ideas that will halt the decline in commerce and tourism."

The meeting was concluded with a resolve to form a working party of businessmen who will be approaching the government.

Ouch ouch....the businessmen are coming in.... Once again, several Times readers added their comments on the Times on-line, including those by Roy Perry himself and his wife Josie Perry. Then we have people like the Irish James A. Tyrrell - a regular contributor for the gozonews.com

The comments follow here:

L Galea

There is no need to continue destroying Gozo and increase the noise pollution from aircraft.

As I have already suggested what is needed is a bridge to solve the Shipyard problems, the installation of wind generators on the bridge itself to allievate the energy problem, and the provision of a continuous means of transport between Malta and Gozo solving the problem for Maltese and Gozitans and tourists, especially in an emergency.

Why do businessmen see nothing except their own narrow private interests instead of the common interest of the Maltese and Gozitan people?

Why are they so intent on continuing to destroy more land in both Malta and Gozo?

Leslie Mirasole

There is no need to spoil a large piece of land just for some silly little planes. when Gozo is served better by sea.

E Camilleri
Finally we have a fixed wing sea plane between malta-gozo, why the insistence to continue destroying the last few open spaces? Having an airstrip to increase gozo tourism is false. Leave Gozo in its remaining natural state and then only you can boost tourism or at least keep the numbers.

Maria Dolores Fenech
So Gozo would have a heliport which is no longer functional due to high fees, but an airstrip to accomodate a few businessmen! Would the Gozitans allow this to happen in their (still) unspoilt beautiful island?

James A. Tyrrell

Just what Gozo needs, a big concrete scar covering part of the island. Frank Salt talks about the decline in commerce and tourism. What decline? Everything I've read from the MTA has failed to mention any decline. Stop trying to fool the public with these lies. If anything is going to have a long-term effect on tourism it is the continued destruction of the island by so-called Gozitans and Maltese who care more about making a buck than caring for the environment. Having said that I have no doubt that the party of businessmen will be well received by the Government, as the present Government are nothing short of environmental rapists. As we have already seen just apply enough pressure and perhaps take along a big enough envelope and you will get your wish. Once the tourist trade dries up you can use the airstrip as foundations for high-rise apartments and fill them with illegal immigrants who will be the only people interested in going to Gozo!

Josie Perry

My Husband has spent many years studying the various ideas to improve communications between Malta and Gozo. A bridge will do more to harm the environment during the construction phase than any other civil engineering project. It would have to be in two sections via Comino and would totally destroy the environment in that island. In addoition to that there is the landfall site at Qala with new roads having to be built at both ends. At the pace of construction here it will be 50 years before this is complete. All we ask for is a small airfield to accommodate small aircraft with a link to Sicily for businessmen as well as richer tourist who find it stressful to trqavel by road. Why should Malta have the benefits of these visitors and not Gozo?

James A. Tyrrell

What Gozo needs Josie is what Gozo had before and lost due to lack of Government support, a helicopter service. This could easily accommodate the businessmen between Malta, Gozo and Sicily as well as catering for the tourists willing to pay that bit extra for the privilege of getting to Gozo quicker. Another problem you didn't raise with regard to the bridge idea would be the increase of crime on Gozo due to the direct road access.

L Galea

No Josie A bridge will not do any more harm. It will provide work for the shipyard workers during construction and maintenance, provide occasion to build a windfarm on the same bridge to reduce Malta's dependence on fossil fuels and thus better the environment and the exchequer's balance, and provide an uninterruptible road service to the Maltese and Gozitan people including TOURISTS who will enjoy a breathtaking view of the channel, and which will be extremely useful when incliment weather prevents any other means of transport from operating, including smal aircraft and helicopters. And why may I ask will a bridge ruin Comino's environment? By allowing easier access to Maltese, Gozitans and tourists? Or do you want it to be reserved for certain types of persons whoever and whatever they be who like isolation from other people's eyes? Would you perhaps recommend such a project in your home country which you have left Mrs Perry?

Victor G. Mercieca
These very negative people who oppose rapid air commuting most likely have a good eye sight but prefer not to see! Airplanes are not silly, they are man's best invention which greatly enhances anybody's life in more ways then one, it seems these people have no idea & are installing a false picture! Maybe they prefer the site in question to continue be used as a dump site & a derelict heliport! Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association USA A valued member since 1993 # 01161606

James A. Tyrrell

Victor the comments in question are not negative, at least from the point of view of caring about the island of Gozo and its environment. Gozo is approximately 9 miles by 4 miles and you think it would be a good idea to cover yet more of it in concrete. I don't think so. To build an airstrip here would not only create an ugly concrete scar on the island; it would also destroy ancient cart ruts and rare plants. But that's okay so long as the few can benefit. I can guarantee you that if this ever happens in no time at all some idiot will be calling for it to be extended so that international flights can land, and if the right palms are greased I've no doubt that would happen too. The area in question by the way was being used as a dumpsite long before the helicopter service pulled out. Gozo does not and never will need an airstrip in the same way that it does not need a marina at Hondoq. The time has long since passed when people need to wake up and give this island treasure what it really needs, protection

Eugenio Taliana
During bad weather the seaplane does not operate, the Gozo ferry does not operate and even sometimes the Helicopter did not operate - what you, in Gozo need, is something that bad weather does not hinder its operations! is there a solution?

Roy Perry

I would prefer comments to be constructive and not personal. I have lived in Gozo since 1990 and have no home elsewhere. I have always tried to improve the standard of life and information in my adopted country and have generally been treated with respect.
Gozo will not benefit from a bridge which will cost hundreds of millions of Euros. The airlink proposals CANNOT be extended to include larger aircraft.
A. Because there is no need.
B. Because the Tarmac (not concrete) strip will not bear their weight.

So far as damage to the heritage and archaeology in concerned, I know exactly where every Cart Rut, Temple fragment, Bore Hole, Sewerage Outfall, etc. is located on the site. An airfield is a protected area where flora can thrive. If the development also looks after these heritage issues it is surely better than letting them be un-recognised or fall into decay - like the 16th Century St. Cecilia Chapel which is falling down for want of attention.

I have nothing to gain financially from the project - now isn't that foolish!

Raymond Sammut

An airstrip in Gozo would create an indelible mark on the tiny picturesque sister island. If presently there is some kind of a dump there, then the dump should be cleared, and the area tidied up. We are not to fix a wrong with something which is clearly incongruous. Now imagine living on a tiny island with small propeller aircrafts hovering over your roof. They are always looking for this damnable airstrip so they can land. It would make me feel nervous. These things are notorious for falling off the sky. All it takes is some pilot error, or something going loose in the mechanics. Once it happens, it happens. An entire family is gone. Now, that so much has been "invested", the airstrip will not go away. There will be an investigation to find out what caused the tragedy, but the show must go on -- Gozitans will simply have to get used to it. You're kidding me. I also have to disagree with you, L Galea. There are now 250,000 cars registered. Once you build a bridge, these cars will incessantly be heading Gozo's way. Gozo too will be infected with pollution as Malta is now.

Barry Drake

Having been involved in the traveling side of things since1986 and now residing for the past eight years there is something that puzzles me. Why, after building an acceptable sized heliport that coped quite well, is there never any talk about having a helicopter service again rather than a fixed wing service? Everyone says it not financially viable, but I`m sure that there must be some one with the same business acumen as Sir Richard Branson and who could see the benefits that such a service would bring to the island. I for one think it has been the best system used during my many visits since 1986

ouch when the saints
ouch when the saints
ouch when the saints go marching in...

Mind you, the word 'saints' in the local context has a very political meaning.
It's like when one says that "a saint in need is a saint indeed".
Ouch ouch

What Gozo really needs

The Times of Malta today published a letter by the Secretary of the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA).

Basically the GTA referred to Franco Scicluna's previous letter to the Times entitles 'Serious Inter-island Air Service'.

The GTA reiterated that "since its inception in February 1999, our stand regarding the air link between Malta and Gozo has always been in favour of an air strip"

The GTA states that "The association and its members are living the experience of the absence of an air strip and are fully aware what tourism on Gozo is losing through this lack of alternative service".

A quite strong and much debatable statement by the GTA is this one: "The future of the tourism industry on Gozo relies on the availability of an air strip" and in order to tone this done, the secretary of the GTA added "...well situated and blending with the Gozitan countryside".

The GTA statement concluded by encouraging the government to "to take the bold decision in favour of an air strip and surely in favour of Gozo."

BOLD indeed. Is this what the GTA will be proposing for the eco-gozo project? Hope not!

Interesting are some of the comments published on The Times on-line.

Here they are:

emanuel bajada

The GTA Secretary would better tackle the issue of the construction works ongoing in Xlendi and Marsalforn destroying the holiday of hundreds of holidaymakers in both resorts. What is the use of wooing holiday makers to the island offering first class air link service to find construction rogues waking them at 6 in the morning with all type of excavation, shattering noise from construction machinery and shouting.

If Mr Muscat wants his association to be credible he should explain why Xlendi and Marsalforn had since last year lost the status of a touristic area for construction purposes bar 5 streets in each location. He should tell us what the association has done to have competent authority reinstate this status for this 2 important tourist resorts. Glad to know this have been corrected since the 7th instant for which I would like to thank Mr. David Apap area manager MTA and also Parliamentary Sec. Hon Chris Said for their efforts for having the relevant authority correcting this anomaly. Now it is up to competent enforcement authorities to see that this new legislation is adhered too. Our visitor's holiday is destroyed by construction works not because there is no air link !!!!

M. galea
We have the GTA reacting again where it suits the books of some of its businessman-members.
"The future of the tourism industry on Gozo relies on the availability of an air strip"
Oh come on....

Instigate a general cleanup of the island.

Look at the illegal dumping sites over archeological remains at Ta' Lambert - Xewkija so near the heliport.

Look at the welcoming concrete monster at Dwejra.

Look at the attitude of some bars, shops and restaurant owners ready to rip off tourists (yes they need to make a living)

Look at the nonexistent public transport system on the island!

Look at the behavior of taxi drivers down at the harbor as soon as they spot a tourist coming down from the ferry.

Look at the shabbiness around the Gozo countryside including the filt around the hiostoric salt pants.

If the GTA is not pro-active in such basic areas, how could they be trusted in overlooking the building of an airstrip?

I wonder sometimes why neither the GTA or the Business Chamber never applaud AD's proposal of sea-links (catamaran, sea-planes) directly from Gozo to other parts of the Mediterranean.

Perhaps they are afraid that Giovanna will fire them?

Roy Perry

I wish to thank Mr Muscat for supporting the idea of an airstrip in Gozo. There seems little point if the major hotels in Gozo improve their standard of accommodation and facilities if the discerning visitor is excluded from a fast and convenient transfer by air. I invite Joe to contact me on 27016277 to attend a meeting on Saturday morning - August 2nd. See also http://gozoairstrip.blogspot.com

Liam Kelly

You must be deluded if you think that building a airstrip constitutes a 'balanced' development on a tiny island!

However, since you've also said that the future of your tourism industry relies on an airstrip, you won't be needing the ferry service anymore then will you? We'll just take that away in order to pay for your air strip....then you'll realise what a ridiculous statement that was I'm sure.

Its particularly worrying that since you work in the tourism industry yourself, you have yet to figure out the rationale of tourists coming to Gozo....peace and quiet, tranquility, greenery and to get away from life....How does an airstrip fit into that raison d'etre?

That IS your market because it is what makes Gozo so NATURALLY beautiful, any destination can copy another destination, but the price of this is that it takes away what made it attractive in the first place.

Franco Farrugia

Go on, Gozitans! Destroy the tiny island, the only environmentally-sound area we have in the Maltese islands.

An air strip will destroy Gozo as we know it now. Think of the land that it will necessary eat up; think about the noise of the aircraft, that same that we hear in the Gudja/Luqa areas. Think of the building amenities which will have to mushroom!!!

Perhaps Mr Muscat can elucidate on what 'other opportunities the island needs to enhance its primary tourism industry'.

I think the Government should be committed to the sparing of Gozo of the same downward development that has destroyed the mainland!

I don't personally believe that 'the future of the tourism industry on Gozo relies on the availability of an airs strip.'

How can Mr Muscat speak about an air strip which is 'well situated' and 'blending with the Gozitan countryside'? We are speaking about two opposite things - airstrip and countryside. God and the Devil. Right, and wrong. Black and White. Plus and minus.

Kapixx?

Alfred Grech

I'm in full agreement with Joe Muscat. It's about time the government considers Gozo as an excellent destination for Maltese and tourists alike. It's a gem that needs to be promoted and made easy to access.

Gozo is unique and beautiful and its people are warm, friendly and accomodating.

Accomodating indeed, especially if Gozitans fall for this trap by a few businessmen!

Objective of this blog

Some people argue that an airstrip in Gozo is needed; others say no.

The lobby is still alive and kicking in the year 2008.

One of the main arguments in favor of an airstrip in Gozo is that "The future of the tourism industry on Gozo relies on the availability of an air strip" - the Gozo Tourism Association secretary Joe Muscat (Times of Malta 29th July 2008).

Many others however say that the future of the tourism industry in Gozo depends on many other things. Some of these are so basic and much less expensive than an airstrip.

The aim of this blog is to give an opportunity for all, to discuss and debate whether Gozo - a 67 km² in size island - needs an airstrip or not.

Feel free to add your views and comments by click on the comment icon with each blog entry.

Cheers,

Ghawdxi flyer.