DHL Express, in association with the Phoenix Sports Club, is organising Plane Pull Malta, with proceeds going to Puttinu Cares Foundation.
Plane Pull Malta, the third in a row, is being held on September 21 (a national holiday) from 10.30am to 4pm at Safi Aviation Park (Gate 8).
To take part in Plane Pull Malta – whether individually or as a group/team – download the form from the Facebook page Plane Pull Malta and bring it along on the day. Alternatively, one can book his preferred time in advance by sending the form to info@psc.com.mt.
The challenge consists of pulling a DHL Express Boeing 757-200 Freighter aircraft, which weighs around 60 tons, a distance of 20 metres in the shortest time possible. The best time recorded last year was that of the 23-men group from V. Spiteri & Sons with 19.84 seconds.
Puttinu Cares Foundation chairman call on public to take part and contribute to this worthy cause
DHL Express Malta manager Charles Schiavone, said: “Our goal once again this year is to raise as much as possible for our chosen charity. This needs to be achieved while respecting all the regulations within Malta International Airport’s perimeter for health, safety and security of all those involved.
“All those who volunteer to come to pull the aircraft must be aware that the plane’s engines will be on and there will be an engineer in the pilot’s seat, since he will need to apply the brakes at the end of each pull. In addition, there will be another engineer on the ground to give the other engineer directions.”
Once one team have successfully pulled the aircraft, another team will be invited to pull the plane for 20 metres.
Mr Schiavone said around €4,000 were collected for charity in the first two editions and the target is to surpass the figure of €2,500 collected last year.
Phoenix Sports Club president Orlando Bonnici said the club was teaming up with DHL Express in this charitable initiative for the third time. The event also involved an element of athleticism. “We urge all those who wish to take part to register now,” he said.
Puttinu Cares Foundation chairman Victor Calvagna thanked DHL Express Malta and the Phoenix Sports Club for having chosen the foundation for their charitable event. “I too would like to encourage participants to register in advance and to follow instructions on the day so that as many people as possible can contribute to our worthy cause,” Dr Calvagna said.