Answering a parliamentary question by Labour MP Owen Bonnici, the Prime Minister said the government is ready to consider any proposal for fixed-wing operations between Malta and Gozo, so long as it is economically and environmentally sustainable (October 25). The chances are that it will not.

A cheaper and possibly commercially viable option is to introduce the service of fast water taxis between Malta and Gozo, departing from main commercial centres, such as Sliema, Valleta and Qawra. These could carry business commuters and other visitors quickly to and from Gozo, not only because of the speed of the water taxis but also because the service would not necessitate a long drive to Ċirkewwa and a long wait in the queue. If there is competition, the service will also be relatively cheap. This possibility was proposed in the report Special Needs Assessment Study for the Island of Gozo (of which I was one of the authors) but the idea has not been taken up yet.

This may be possibly due to that fact that the channel is practically monopolised by one firm. If the water taxi service is to be introduced, competition is essential and more than one company should be allowed to operate.