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Karl Stagno-Navarra
Synergy Aviation of UK have informed government they are considering to withdraw their proposal to invest almost Lm1 million in Malta and service Gozo with a fixed-wing aircraft.
In a letter written to government’s investment arm MIMCOL, Synergy Aviation expressed irritation at the bureaucratic delay in deciding over an airstrip in Gozo, and that the same delay has cost them a postponement in procurement of aircraft, marketing and other related projects.
While Synergy Aviation executives were not in a position to comment, government sources have confirmed that a letter was received at MIMCOL by the Surrey-based airline, stating their complaint at the delay.
Gozo Business Chamber President Michael Caruana expressed regret at the news when contacted yesterday and commented that even though a decision of this sort is not one that can be taken overnight, “government must understand that Gozo urgently needs an airstrip to be able to service its tourist industry.”
Caruana said news that a serious company like Synergy Aviation have pledged a hefty investment, together with a willingness to start an almost immediate regular service with a fixed-wing to Gozo “saddens all who have Gozo at heart.”
“We cannot delay this matter any further,” he insisted.
In an interview with sister paper Business Today last October, Synergy Aviation managing director Glen Heavens stressed that all that is needed in Gozo was an extra 400 metres of strip, as it would be enough for the versatile seven to nine-passenger Islander aircraft to take-off and land.
Heavens, who was brought up in Gozo, operates numerous aircraft in and around the UK with a variety of planes, and planned to invest in Island-Air and offer scheduled flights between Malta and Gozo at a Lm25 to Lm30 return fare.
He also proposed introducing scheduled flights to Palermo, Catania, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Tripoli and Tunis.
In September government had appointed an ad-hoc committee to report on the feasibility of an airstrip, and has only recently submitted studies recommending that the existing helicopter-pad at Xewkija should be turned into an airstrip, and made to handle small winged aircraft.
Officials from the Gozo and Transport ministries, the Department of Civil Aviation and MEPA who sit on the committee, submitted different proposals as to the length and direction of the airstrip.
Sources explained that the plans submitted to government offer “choices” of airstrip length, including the option of a 1,000-metre strip. Aviation expert Capt. George Kissaun told MaltaToday that a 500-metre airstrip would be “more than enough” to be able to respond to Gozo’s need for an airlink.
According to Capt. Kissaun the proposal for a fixed-wing Islander aircraft fits perfectly with an airstrip that should be extended by not more than 500 metres.
Another proposal comes from a Canadian based company offering a service with a seaplane, however Capt. Kissaun questioned its viability together with other issues relating to safety in a very busy reality around Maltese harbours. “A seaplane should not be the only option, as one must take into consideration a number of factors relating to sea landing,” he explained.
Interviewed on TVM last week, aviation consultant Anthony Seychell explained that for a seaplane to be safe, waves must not exceed a foot, when in Malta the general swell exceeds the foot, and further in the winter. “Such a choice would be problematic for winter with a service that would have to be suspended pending calmer waters,” he said.
With regards to harbour landings and take-off, Seychell said that Maltese harbours are very busy not only with ships but with hundreds of small craft that would be a headache to any seaplane pilot.
Government has already heard detailed submissions by prospective operators, however did not commit himself on what aircraft would be licensed to operate. “Government will shortly be issuing a formal expression of interest to prospective operators and evaluate their proposals,” said transport minister Censu Galea.
A series of meetings held both in Gozo and Malta during the past few weeks have seen the input of a strong lobby steered by Gozitan tourist operators who are insisting for the airstrip, and considering it as “vital” to the sister island’s survival.
ksnavarra@mediatoday.com.mt
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