Seaplane service is three years old

It is three years since the seaplane operation, operated by Harbour Air (Malta) Ltd, began its regular daily 10-minute flights from between Malta and Gozo.

Aerial "scenic tours", consisting of 30-minute flights over the Maltese islands, also take place daily, departing from the sea within the confines of Valletta's sheltered Grand Harbour. Stop-overs at Gozo's Mġarr Harbour during the scenic tour flights are regular, giving the opportunity for anyone missing the scheduled Gozo-Malta flight to board a flight outside schedule time.

Harbour Air Seaplanes is a fully-licensed airline, and its partner Harbour Air Inc. based in Vancouver, Canada, is the largest all-seaplanes operator in the world, with over 25 years' experience. Backed by its Canadian partner, Harbour Air Malta has brought together wings, speed, convenience and fun for the ultimate trip to Gozo. Since its Malta inception, over 12,000 passengers have used the service.

The 17-passenger twin-engined Dehavilland Otter aircraft currently in operation is an amphibian one, having the capability of landing both on sea and land.

Taking off from Grand Harbour's calm seas, it is airborne in a matter of seconds as its lifts off gently over St Angelo and the three cities, all to be seen in one compact breathtaking view.

Flying at a little more than 1,000 feet above sea and ground level, the aerial views are picture-perfect as it passes by the Sliema promenade, St Julians, the regional coastline, St Paul's Bay, Mistra, Mellieħa, and then over Comino's Blue Lagoon before arriving at Gozo's harbour, reaching its floating quay by the marina's Pontoon "F".

The scenic tour flight also goes over to the west of Malta, flying low by Dingli Cliffs before going inland over Mdina and Mosta.

Harbour Air (Malta) Ltd has offices and personnel on site at each of its departure and arrival points: Grand Harbour, Malta International Airport and Mġarr harbour.

Special rates apply to group and corporate bookings, as well as private charters.

For reservations and bookings call Harbour Air Seaplanes on 2122 8302, e-mail info@harbourairmalta. com or visit www.harbourairmalta.com .