Air link: An idea whose time has come

James A. Tyrrell

Oct 8th 2010, 09:07

@Victor G.Mercieca. Victor I don't need to educate myself with regard to the fact that a few people like you think you have the right to destroy more valuable land to build an air strip which people with far more knowledge than yourself have stated on numerous occasions would not be financially sustainable.

And by the way Victor I was originally drawn into this debate when some of your so called 'aviation professionals' started to speak on behalf of tourists like myself telling me what I wanted and needed.

If an airstrip is ever built on Gozo then it should happen because the majority of Gozitan people have voted for it and for no other reason. I as a tourist should have no say in that as it concerns Gozitan citizens only. Of course I could vote with my money and go elsewhere for my holidays, as I wouldn't want to be subjected to idiots in light aircraft taking off and landing all day. By the same token the Maltese and so called 'aviation professionals' should not be involved in any vote as it is not their island no matter what they may think.

James A. Tyrrell

Oct 7th 2010, 09:00

@Patrick Fenech. Are you are tourist? You don't sound like one from your name so why do you think you have the right to speak on behalf of tourists and tell people what tourists’ want? I'm a tourist and I certainly don't want a stupid air link spoiling the peace and quiet of the island. Since when is a 25-minute ferry journey a 'lengthy transit'? You seem to be one of those people who think that a fixed wing aircraft is going to sitting at the airport just waiting for you to get off your plane and jump aboard. Get real; you will have to wait like everyone else until the plane has enough passengers on board to make the flight profitable. When the helicopter was operating you had to sit about for ages waiting for the transfer and by the time you finally got on board, usually by yourself as no one else was using it, you would have been quicker getting a taxi to the ferry. Gozo will only begin to lose business as you put it if an airstrip is build for the rich boys to fly their little toys into. Put it to a vote.

Patrick Fenech

Oct 7th 2010, 04:35

While this topic is discussed over and over again, Gozo is losing precious time and business. A big chunk of the tourists that Malta gets are short-term visitors. Time is therefore very limited and a lengthy transits to Gozo is not on their agenda. Same applies to businessman that need to travel frequently through MIA. There is already at least one local company who is interested and committed to providing a service to Gozo at very reasonable rates. When rates were reasonable, thousands and thousands of tourists were making use of the service. This is a fact. There is no need at all to build a big airport or run through archaeological heritage. The plan is to have a short runway of about 700 metres that would allow light fixed wing aircraft to operate safely. Which military operations would be able to use this runway?! I do not know any. All those who are realistic know that the benefits of a short runway with dedicated procedures and a frequent service will give Gozo and its macro economy the push that it deserves to kill its insularity and attract tourists directly.

James A. Tyrrell

Oct 6th 2010, 19:25

@Peppi grech. You describe Sonja Sinclair Stevenson's opinion as a 'professional' one. Sorry but could you explain exactly what her qualifications are in the air link world? No one commenting on these blogs would I believe describe themselves as professional, we are simply concerned people expressing an opinion.

Once more I ask the questions which are never answered. In what way would an air link benefit the people of Gozo in their everyday lives? How many of the people campaigning for an airstrip on Gozo actually live on Gozo? How many of them have their own private aircraft or a pilots licence? How many of them would benefit from any development involved? Given that numerous surveys carried out by experts in the field have shown that an air link would not be financially sustainable what are you going to do that changes this fact?

A lot of people cross over to Malta everyday to work and go to school. Are these students going to be able to afford a flight? Will those people who take their car over on the ferry subject themselves to public transport instead? Let the Gozitans decide!

Peppi grech

Oct 6th 2010, 08:12

Since being members of the European Union we act like we want teach the Europeans every subject and then we cannot accept a professional opinion of someone like Sonya.

I feel a great lack of tollerance with how certain people in this blog are expressing themselves against the idea of an airstrip.

You who are in favour, just say it.
You who are against, just say it.
You who have not decided yet, just say it.

This is the ABC of democracy.!! Ever heard of it!!!

lgalea

Oct 6th 2010, 07:26

First of all the extended runway runs through archeological heritage dating from Roman Times. Secondly, there are already plans to extend the airstrip, plans that gave the game away when Roy Perry himself said that it could also be used by foreign military aircraft for training. First of all this would mean more noise and pollution and danger from the aircraft and then the use of the airstrip for foreign military operations and foreign clandestine military operations will follow. This is the foreign hidden plan being proposed by Gozo foreign settlers. An airstrip on Gozo for use by foreign military aircraft turning Gozo into a military airbase and a military target. Do the Gozitans want to endanger themselves with these foreign military operations apart from the destruction of their environment and danger from additional aircraft over Gozo?

George Vella

Oct 6th 2010, 03:34

No matter what a foreigner, a foreign resident in Gozo, a Maltese and a Gozitan say about the longed discussed Gozo Airstrip, everyone has the right to comment. As a Gozitan I say that the airstrip is an asset to Gozo but not a must. The Ministry for Gozo should not be condemned or criticized in this matter. It is very easy for the Ministry to issue its go-ahead. First of all one has to consider if the locals do really need it as they have to cross to Malta and back daily. Is it affordable to them when they get stuck because of rough seas? Apart from that if the prices are not affordable the locals would gain nothing. If anybody is rich and can afford it, these should not comment about the Gozitan affairs. And here may I ask once and again about the flying club in Malta? We are sure that they are in favour of this project because Gozo affords lesser inconveniences than Malta as regards flying. Which Gozitan can afford a plane just for a pursuit or hobby? … they simply need it for their convenience as long as prices are affordable.

Mario Tabone

Oct 5th 2010, 23:59

@ Albert Grech and Vincent Farrugia and any other person who thinks they can abuse ex-pats or foreigners just because they themselves were born on Gozo or for that matter Malta.
When will you lot learn that times have changed and these foreigners as you call them have a right to express their opinion freely and without receiving abuse .
Mr Grech and Mr Farrugia, you too have a choice in life. Either accept change or shut up . Your do not know anything about tourism and your attitude does far more damage to these islands than the very valid suggestions put out by ex-pats and so called foreigners .

Franco J Scicluna

Oct 5th 2010, 19:37

I am happy to state that I form part of the Air link lobby in favour of an air service between Malta International Airport and Gozo. For me, Mr. Roy Perry is more than an expert in this field He is an authority..His findings and researches are second to none.The sooner the runway is made, the better for Gozo. Gozo parliamenterians please note, that here, no one is asking for a fully fledged airport..

James A. Tyrrell

Oct 5th 2010, 19:21

There is a very simple way to answer this question once and for all and that is to allow the Gozitan people to vote on it. I say the Gozitan people because it is no business of the Maltese or tourists like myself. The island of Gozo belongs to the Gozitan people and it is up to them to decide if they want an airstrip.

My opinion is that the only people who would benefit from having an airstrip would be those rich enough to make use of it, and the developer friends of the Government and the Gozo Ministry who would get the job of building it. Sonja Sinclair Stevenson mentions overseas professional companies who submitted detailed proposals to help the government get started. Yes Sonja, these were companies who wanted to build an airport so were basically touting for business. They don't care about Gozo.

As for the several surveys you mention these were indeed carried out and found that such an air link between Malta and Gozo would not be financially sustainable. That means that it wouldn't make any money Sonja after destroying more of Gozo!

Mario Skinder

Oct 5th 2010, 16:40

Yes. Air link is necessity not evil thing. Hunting guns make more noise than small planes. All those people that write against the plane link Gozo to Malta. I would like to know how many of you live within 300 meters from the Air Strip. Otherwise please do not write comments unless you like me like to write. The only difference that I research first in what I am going to write on the subject.
Everybody have a great day.

Noel Abela

Oct 5th 2010, 15:58

Some wise guys argue that constructing a small airstrip to accomodate small 9 seater planes will ruin Gozo...I wonder having visited a number of islands of immense natural beauty, far superior to our over built country, and which are served with such facilties.....

Roy Perry

Oct 5th 2010, 13:49

A message for those who glibly toss snide remarks ar Sonja. She has worked tirelessly over many years to help the sick and elderly in Gozo, having been a founder member of The Friends. Such abuse is un-warranted. I hesitate to say this but where would local charities be without the selfless acts of us 'Ex-Pats'.

I too have been on GSPCA and Guide Dogs committees.

Vincent Farrugia

Oct 5th 2010, 12:50

SSSL, can you please keep your ideas to yourself or save them for when you go back to your own country? Interfering foreigners are unwelcome in Gozo.

Albert Grech

Oct 5th 2010, 12:48

Sonja, if you want to be happy just go back to those places you mentioned because we do not want your airstrip. How arrogant can foreigners be and think they know better than us what is rigth for us and our country!

M Portelli

Oct 5th 2010, 12:46

No Sonja, we do not want an air link.

Pawlu Scicluna

Oct 5th 2010, 12:44

Sonja Sinclair Stevenson-Lindblad if you don't like it you can leave and go back to your own country because we do not want our environment to be destroyed more than it already is.

John Portelli

Oct 5th 2010, 11:39

As a gozitan who travel frequently abroad, i do believe that the time has come to have the airlink again. Today, in order for me to get to the airport for my 7 am flight, I need to get up at 2:00 am and be at the ferry by 3:00 to ensure that I get on board with my car and be able to make the flight. If we had a proper airlink, it would be more convenient and for a 7:00 am flight, I don't need to get up at 2:00. I am always willing to pay a reasonable price along. This service is needed by thousands of gozitans, maltese and tourist alike, It's a shame, that in 2010, Gozo has gone backward instead of forward. Most islands in the mediterranean and the caribbean have airlinks. Why not Gozo. What are we, second hand citizens.

Victor G.Mercieca

Oct 5th 2010, 10:35

Sonja thanks for your contribution over this over stressed issue of the vital General Aviation Airstrip to connect 'Non Aviation friendly Gozo' unlike Lampedusa & Pantalleria in the Region, to rest of the wider world which is at least 30 years ahead in rapid GA air communications, apart from the frequent airlinks between Gozo & MIA merging with schedule Airlines time tables. The Minister in Gozo should have resigned long time ago, & make way for an administrattion that is forward looking, qualified, competent & ready to learn from people like Roy, many others having weath of experience in the civil aviation field, this Administration & the Opposition continue to deprive the general public, potential international visitors, better alternative excess between inter island & beyond. Malta & Gozo practices shady childish politicals, what is basically common sense is not done immediately, Millions of funds are wasted on lessor priorities like make believe eco concepts! General Aviation in Europe is basically being strangled by EU idiotic, inconsistant inpractical complex regulations, aimed only as money making schemes, making light aircraft operations ideal for Gozo unsustainable !

Vince DeBono

Oct 5th 2010, 10:31

@ Sonja. Did the islands you mentioned have the same links / distances and already-developed tourist infrastructure as Gozo? Which are these islands?