I refer to Steve Mallia's article New Helicopter Carries 500 Passengers In A Month (May 20). Allow me to ask Noel Grech, Helisureste's area manager for Gozo, a few simple questions.

What does Mr Grech say to all those passengers booked on particular flights that just happened to be cancelled?

Having had the opportunity to discuss Helisureste's new service with many Gozo residents, I have yet to meet a single one who has to date not experienced a problem with this service. All are of the same mind, never again. Not what one would describe as good marketing by Helisureste, is it?

To give one, almost unbelievable, example of Helisureste's disregard for its customers, an elderly lady friend of ours recently arrived at Malta International Airport from the UK, and being in possession of a valid Helisureste return helicopter ticket, purchased from the Gozo heliport, following check in at the appropriate MIA desk with her valid ticket, she was taken through security etc and driven to the helicopter-designated area, only to find... oops... no helicopter. The bemused driver of the minibus (after a few Maltese expletives) eventually decided to drive the lady back to the departures lounge where urgent enquiries were made on her behalf. Believe it or not this old lady was informed, by Helisureste, that she did not possess a valid Helisureste helicopter booking. How did she manage to go through security without an official ticket and boarding pass? The mind indeed boggles.

So, eventually this poor woman from Gharb was again driven out to the helicopter pad where finally she arrived home somewhat worse for wear, and like most of us who have experienced Helisureste's negativity towards its Gozitan customers, swearing never again.

Mr Mallia's article touches on Helisureste's future plans to expand its service to places such as Lampedusa and Tripoli. Excuse me while I stop laughing and pick myself up off the floor. OK, so what does Helisureste say to us Gozitan residents already sworn to never use its service again? Big question indeed, yes?

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