The helicopter service, which provides an essential link between Malta and Gozo when the ferry service cannot operate because of bad weather, will be stopped by next May since the helicopters being used at present do not conform with European Union requirements.

The Gozo Tourism Association has been having talks about the matter and has proposed that the air-link be provided instead by a fixed-wing aircraft taking up to 25 passengers.

The GTA is holding a survey among its members - including owners of hotels, restaurants, self-catering establishments, diving centres, garage hire and tourist attractions - and the results should help it draw up a strategic plan to establish a modern, reliable and efficient air link.

The helicopter service is operated by Malta Air Charter Company (MACC), on whose board three Gozitans have just been nominated: Euchar Mizzi as chairman, Paul Buttigieg, mayor of Qala, and Noel Formosa, mayor of San Lawrenz and Gozo representative on the committee of the Association of Local Councils.

The Sunday Times sought to find out the opinion of various people on the helicopter service. Mr Mizzi said he was not yet in a position to answer questions.

GTA secretary Joe Muscat said the Eastern type (Bulgarian) helicopters used for the service do not conform to the much more expensive Western type recognised by the EU. The GTA is therefore proposing to extend the runway to accommodate 25-seat airplanes which are economical and reliable. He said the service is essential and therefore needs to be improved.

Mr Muscat added that GTA is currently insisting on a concept known as the common rated fare, whereby the Gozo-bound tourist will be charged the same fare as the Malta-bound one. "This idea needs a political as well as an administrative decision to implement", he said.

The GTA is also suggesting a subsidised rate to hoteliers by MACC to sell holidays inclusive of helicopter transfers. All passengers using the helicopter should be allowed to check-in at the heliport. With the introduction of a passport-control point at the heliport, on arrival at the Malta International Airport, passengers could proceed to the departures lounge.

"We strongly believe in having an efficient and reliable air connection with the main island," Joe Grech, the Gozo Business Chamber's chief executive officer, said. He also stated that before the general election the government had conducted a "special needs assessment study" for Gozo, during which it was proposed that Air Malta conduct a study on the effectiveness if the inter-island air connection.

Mr Grech said the chamber does not agree that the study should be carried out by Air Malta since the it does not make any reference to a fixed-wing aircraft connection."

Comments were also obtained from a number of professionals which make regular use of the helicopter service. Dr Nicole Lingaro Misfud believes that it is vital to keep an air link between Malta and Gozo, both for tourism and domestic purposes. Most people however believe that the safety standards of the service need to be improved by investing in more modern aircraft, she said.

George N. Cassar agreed that the service needed to be improved, especially since now there is a long wait between flights and a fare which is rather prohibitive for Gozo commuters. This was also stated by Notary Jean Paul Grech, who believes that fees for Maltese and Gozitan residents should be revised.

Gozitan councillors also insisted that an air link is essential, especially when the ferry service is suspended. Ghajnsielem mayor Francis Cauchi said an air link was essential for Gozo tourism. Xaghra Labour councillor Joe Cordina said that the helicopter service was never popular with MACC since it is not financially viable. He added that if the operators are unable to sustain the service it should be subsidised by the Government rather than eliminated.

This was also supported by Nadur mayor Chris Said who said that there is a great need to improve the situation to make the air link safer, even if small airplanes are introduced. He also added that the price of the service should be reduced and a special rate introduced for residents of Gozo.

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