I refer to Michael Briguglio's opinion piece of March 19 (Costly Airstrip, Cheap Politics) and ask readers to note the following facts:
1. I have carried out thorough research on the matter since 1997.
2. It is not correct to say that "good agricultural land" is to be used. The proposed area is mostly derelict and there is very little soil cover.
3. Noise pollution will be less than that produced by the helicopters. I have especially made sure the aircraft will not fly over residential areas.
4. There is no airstrip lobby. I work entirely on my own. However, the idea is supported by commerce and tourism. A poll on the GozoNews website shows only 37 per cent of the 890 who responded oppose the idea.
5. No new buildings are needed. The present terminal handled flights for up to 25 passengers, our maximum per flight is 19.
6. An Environmental Impact Assessment is essential.
7. It is a fact that those who will use the service are tourists and foreign residents but Gozitans who own rented property and locals who have relatives abroad will also benefit. Everyone will find it much easier to access events and conferences in the island, including opera, cultural and religious occasions.
8. The expected return fare to Malta will be less than the current cost of the journey by taxi and ferry.
9. Imagine a party of eight couples wishing to fly away. Currently they may use eight cars, the journey would take two hours. Compare this to one aircraft with two engines and a journey time of 10 minutes.
10. No new roads will be required initially. It may be useful to built a short link road to improve access to the villages of Qala, Nadur and Xagħra to ease congestion.
11. The service will bring employment in the form of franchise operations at the airport and an increase in the number of operational and safety staff.
12. A small airfield would assist in flying training, encourage visits by light aircraft owners and their families, allow for more comfortable and quicker trips abroad and also lengthen the time available in Gozo for medical specialists.
13. An air service would also be possible directly to European destinations within a 500-kilometre range.
14. The Xewkija Industrial Estate would be rejuvenated if modern technology could be included in the range of products as has been the case at the Mosta Technopark and Thomson at Kirkop. Products with a very high added value such as solar cells would boost the economy and expand employment.
15 Leisure and recreational facilities would be incorporated as per the Gozo and Comino Local Plan. These would include a large shady picnic area.
There are many more advantages for all Gozitans. These plans are not designed to feather the nests of businessmen here. Most of all the appearance of the island will not be damaged in any way - certainly not as much as the continued despoliation of cliff top villages with huge un-occupied tenements.