Gozo-Malta air link

The intention of the government to liberalise the Malta-Gozo air link is a step in the right direction. It has been known for long that the present service is unsustainable, although functioning. Gozo cannot keep up without an air link in this day and age.

It has been reported that various companies seem to be interested in operating the service. The government also confirmed that Malta Air Charter will cease to operate, after October 2004, and after that it is anybody's guess what would happen.

In order to facilitate the matter, and help prospective companies in their new venture, it is important to have the infrastructure in place, mainly an extension of the present airstrip, to enable light fixed wing aircraft to land/take off with ease.

Another helicopter service would again be prohibitive to operate and again would run at a loss. Having said that, the Gozo-Malta air link is a must, and should continue to be an added link between the two islands.