50 comments so far.Does Gozo need an airlink to survive in the big bad world?
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So once again we have a foreign company East West Aviation from Castle Donington deciding that there needs to be an air link between Malta and Gozo in order for Gozo to survive in the big bad world. And once again this is being hailed as the saviour of the Gozo tourist industry. When are these people going to understand that tourists come to Gozo for the peace and quiet the island offers and that will be totally ruined by small planes flying in and out all day. If you want to propose an air link between the islands then do so for your own selfish reasons and stop trying to make out it is for the good of the tourists or for the good of Gozitans.
This is just another company trying to make a bit of money in these hard times and who at the end of the day don’t give a damn about the Gozitan people or tourists for that matter. They will get paid to construct a runway adding another 250m scar to the island. They will get paid for knocking down the present reception centre, which would of course be in the way and would have to be relocated. They will get paid for constructing car parking and waiting facilities etc. They will get paid for bringing in the aircraft necessary for the operation.
Then realisation will hit. Someone will ask is the transport of nine passengers from Malta to Gozo going to make all that much difference to the islands economy? Will they actually be able to get nine passengers to fill a plane? Somehow at their proposed €120 return fare, the same as was charged by the helicopter services of Helisureste and Eagle Associates I doubt it. Not so long ago local Gozitans who actually support the idea of an air link were stating that if the fare was greater than €30 they wouldn’t use it! How many flights per day would they have to operate in order to make the service financially viable etc?
People seem to be of the opinion that they step off a plane from London and the Gozo transfer aircraft is going to be sitting there, engine running waiting to whisk them to the island. Please wake up and smell the coffee. You will land at Malta and collect your luggage as usual. Then instead of heading to the harbour for your ferry transfer you will head to the Gozo air link booking desk to find out when the next flight will be. Then you will drag your luggage back down to the café where you will buy an expensive coffee and even more expensive cake while you sit and wait to be called. Eventually they will get nine people to take over or more than likely they will decide that they better go with what they have, as was usually the case with the helicopter service. You will go to the booking desk and book in your luggage, get a bus to the plane, wait or your luggage to be loaded, taxi to your take off point then sit and wait for permission to get airborne. Eventually you will land on Gozo.
The sensible tourist will in the meantime have travelled to the ferry in a nice air conditioned cab, or the bus if they want to save even more money. They won’t have any hassle with getting luggage on and off the ferry as mentioned in the article, at least I have never had any such hassle. You put it in the cage which is brought onto the quay by tug then locked up and transferred to the ships hold for your collection at the terminal building at Mgarr. Nothing could be simpler. You in the meantime go up to the top deck and relax in the sun and watch Gozo appear. You will probably be there in time to watch the plane land but for a fraction of the cost.
Gozo does not need an air link. The fact that Gozo does not have an air link is what makes it special. Far from helping the tourist trade any such air link would drive tourists away. How many average Gozitans or indeed tourists could afford a €120 return fare? Leave the island alone.
James A. Tyrrell,
N. Ireland.
You are right James. As a Gozitan I truly believe that the air link would not make the miracles that we were being promised.
What we surely do need is that the current government, especially the ministry for Gozo, wakes up.
By the way HOW COME THE LOW COST AIR LINES ARE BEING SUBSIDIZED and the helicopter not?
If Air Malta – the national airline – can’t survive without massive cash inputs from the government coffers (ie taxpayers), what chance does a little island hopper company have?
Subsidies are not the answer either.
Spot on, James. In 22 years of visiting Gozo, the ferry service has consistently improved, and the drive to Cirkewwa has got steadily quicker. We used the helicopter once – never again!
As you suggest, I’m sure this is far more about revenue generation by East West Aviation than any genuine prospect, or even desire, of improving the tourist experience of Gozo.
Very well said, James.
Well its very easy for somebody who lives abroad to make statements, that has no bearing on the local community. Yes we have managed with any air link for a number of years now, where has the cost €120 return come from, thats €60 one way. You’re assuming that tourists will use the link, but business people would find it more convenient, to hop on a plane for 15 minutes than have to travel for 2 hours,. I assume that Mr.Tyrrell, has walked from the entrance to the ferry, and he possibly is a fit man not like some of us old codgers who cant walk fast or as far as we used to.
An air link to the airport would be a big help, but it has to be priced right. I think that East West Aviation, have perhaps done there sums wrong and need to think again.
The convenience of being able to get on a plane to hop over to Malta is very appealing. We used to do it all the time when there was helicopters.
In the “old” days luggage could be booked through, so you never saw it until you arrived at your destination
The other problem is what happens when the ferry can’t run and you have a plane to catch.
We do need air transport to and from Malta, and small aircraft don’t make that much noise do they? I used to live within 4 miles of an International airport in England, thats noise.
For the Gozitan workers and students that travel everyday to Malta what is needed is a hydrofoil service say to Valletta or Sliema, which will cut their journey time considerably. For the foreign residents or tourists that come to Gozo from MIA we need a mini bus service from Rabat Bus Terminus or car park directly to the MIA terminal. I will gladly pay 30 euros each way for such service.
If these two services are done then perhaps everybody can forget about the airstrip, tunnel or even the bridge.
Perhaps somebody should look at what Air Malta are doing with their timetables from airports in England (with the exception of Heathrow).
I travel to Gozo every eight weeks and have been using the one daytime flight from Manchester. That went on a Sunday morning which allowed me to arrive in Xlendi at about 6pm. Just in time to check out my apartment and head off to a restaurant.
It has now been moved to Sunday night at about midinght from May 2011. The Birmingham flights are also at night.
Come on Air Malta some day time flights please to encourage people to come to Gozo for a holiday rather than just a day trip. I agree with the other comments. The Ferry is second to none.
@Peter Wilson. Hi Peter. The €120 return came from the original story and was the price set being the same as was charged by the helicopter services of Helisureste and Eagle Associates. I didn’t make the figure up!
You say, ‘the convenience of being able to get on a plane to hop over to Malta is very appealing. We used to do it all the time when there was helicopters.’ Come on Peter, when did you ever hop over to Malta as you say here. I used the helicopter service myself and it never got me to Gozo or Malta any quicker than using the ferry. In fact in most cases it was slower. It’s not a personal taxi service!
I’m not assuming that tourists would use the link. In fact if you read my words again you will see that I point out the opposite, that tourists won’t use the service. The people who are pushing the idea are trying to make out that it is primarily for tourists and in so doing are ignoring the reason that tourists come to Gozo, for the peace and quiet.
@Tony Stivala. Tony you say that you would gladly pay 30 euros each way for a mini bus service between the airport and the ferry. I’m confused as to why you would want to do that. I travelled from the airport to the ferry in an air-conditioned taxi in October for 24 euros each way!
When the Mi-8 helicopters did the trip they moved 35,000 people a year so I’ve been told. Divide that by 365 you get 96 people a day at 9 per flight that equates to 5-6 return flights per day every day. There has been no mention of the ticket prices yet it is being looked at. A fixed wing aircraft is cheaper to operate than a comparable helicopter. You are quoting the cost for a Bell 412 which is probably 3 times the cost of the fixed wing.
So when you say we have done our sums wrong at least wait until we have done them, and don’t take somebody else’s word for it.
BTW the aircraft can also take a full 9 pax load with their baggage and it can even take excess baggage of another 2000lbs.
This is only a plan nothing is finalised
Mr Tyrell
Please read again what I wrote
@Tony Stivala. Sorry Tony I misread your comment. However I still can’t see you paying any more than 30 Euros from the bus terminus to the airport each way if you get a taxi to the harbour and have a taxi meet you on the other side.
James,
You seem quite happy to have an air service bring you to Malta, but you would deny the people of Gozo the same right of an air service to Malta, because it does not suit you. A tad selfish don’t you think? Is it only you that has rights on Gozo? From your surname and your address it would seem you are not a native of the islands so what gives you the right to dictate what is best for them.
Aircraft are built in various sizes to suit particular needs. An A-380 flying the Malta-Gozo link, I think you would agree would be slight overkill. Hence our choice of an aircraft that can operate cheaply and also frequently so it will suit both the people of Malta and Gozo and visitors alike.
Running a service to suit the needs of the people wishing to use it means we have to think a little and try for the best part to link to International flights in and out of Luqa, with the opening and closing times of Banks, Government Offices, business hours etc. Having the flexibility of 3-4 aircraft allows the flexibility in operation.
It has been seen in aviation that size isn’t everything and that a smaller aircraft giving a more frequent service is better received than a twice daily with a larger one. The aircraft we chose gives frequency over size, same as the ferry does as that is what people want and if there are too many for a flight we can slot in another aircraft as we will have that capacity.
The other good thing is the aircraft in cargo configuration can carry 1,814 kg which will be available for the business community should they require it.
Small, is sometimes more beautiful, effective and economical.
@Dave Hunter – What do you anticipate a return ticket would cost, assuming no subsidies and all relevant taxes ? Its been mentioned many times that a small aircraft is much cheaper to operate than a helicopter, so hopefully would be lower than the subsidised € 120 for the helicopter before it ceased operation. However, the last time the helicopter ran the oil price was substantially lower than now, plus I assume the depreciation on the helicopters would have been much lower than for aircraft, given how old they were.
@Mark Thorogood- – We need to know more about what we would be offered but €120 is way in excess of what I would think the cost would be. I would not like to say something now and then have to retract it but I would expect it to be very competitive with the taxi fare that James pays. The cost would depend on fuel costs, what the government charges for landing and parking fees, security and airport charges etc.,
@Dave Hunter. As you say Dave I don’t come from Gozo but then you don’t sound very Gozitan yourself. And you seem to be ignoring the fact that it is people like yourself who seem to think they have a God given right to speak on behalf of the Gozitan people.
I was brought into the argument when people like Roy Perry, who you know very well started telling everyone how good an air link would be for tourism. As a tourist I have more right to speak on that subject than Roy Perry or you and as a tourist I come to the island for peace and quiet not to listen to people in light aircraft taking off and landing all day.
If you check my past letters you will see that I have always stated that the only people who have a right to decide whether or not there is an air link between Gozo and Malta are the Gozitan people themselves as they are the ones who would have to live with it. The only vote I as a tourist would have would be by taking my money elsewhere.
As you say Dave small is beautiful. Gozo is small and very beautiful and I suggest you leave it that way.
I can’t believe this article. Where are you gozitans? Come on wake up and don’t let Mr Tyrrell put words into our mouths. From which planet has this outsider fallen?? Two more steps he’ll become our prime minister and decide laws and tax rates for us.
I don’t have any opinion whatsoever on the airstrip but I just couldn’t help feeling offended by this tourist who is so selfish and wants only what’s is best for him. It’s simply unbelievable and sometimes I get the feeling that he has some other interests other than being a tourist. I’m not bothered by the noise. We hear the hospital helicopter all the time but I’m so used to it that I don’t even notice it anymore and a small aircraft would surely make less noise.
Most probably I won’t be able to use the aircraft due to its cost but there are other people who will, so why can’t they? Who are you to decide for others? As for the ferry, I cross over everyday to work. Don’t you ever say that the ferry is so easy and simple. Yesterday I finished my night shift and was at Cirkewwa at 7.30 am. Unfortunately the ferry had left. The next ferry developed a problem and it left Cirkewwa at 9 instead of the scheduled 8.15. Therefore I arrived home at 9.45. That’s what i needed after a night’s work? You know nothing about traveling with the ferry. I can also tell you about the times when the ferry did not work because of weather and I was stranded in Cirkewwa without any shelter or public convenience. That’s not all you know, try taking the 3.30am ferry and you” ll encounter the worst smell of animals and their urine. That’s a good way to start a day’s work don’t you think?
So don’t you dare speak on things that concern us Gozitans Mr.Tyrrell. I think you’ve made a fool of yourself long enough! What I do know is that we certainly need an alternative to the ferry. Mr. Hunter, if need be ask Gozitans what they feel about the air link and not some nosy tourist!
@James Tyrell– No I’m not from Gozo and I am not a tourist either. I first looked into the Gozo-Luqa service in 2000-2001 but there were problems with the runway extension and I dropped the idea, Now we have another chance with a modern STOL aircraft that can offer frequency and a full service. I came across Roy perry about a week or so ago, up until then I had no idea who he was or what he wanted.
You obviously have a thing about light aircraft but we live in a democratic society and if people want to fly then they are entitled to do so. I take as you are against people learning to fly you will in future travel to Gozo overland and by ferry. Your Easyjet pilot started flying on some small airport somewhere, probably got on the local NIMBY’s nerves as well.
Now I do not nor ever have thought I had a right to speak for the people of Gozo, they elected representatives for that purpose. BTW I wrote to the Gozo Chamber of Commerce on the same day I wrote to the Maltese Ministry of Transport about this proposal, to date I have had replies from the Ministry but nothing from the Chamber. This venture will not succeed without the approval of the people, they are the customers.
Regarding the air service and the airstrip, It will not be Heathrow and the aircraft we intend to use is quiet especially compared with piston engine or Helicopters. we have specified 4 blade propellers to reduce external noise by 6dB and are investigating 5 blade to see if it will reduce this further. I am aware of noise polution and would endeavour to keep it to a minimum.
This aircraft will take 9 American passengers and their luggage even at 45 C and even on Malta you don’t get many days at those temps.
If the local people don’t want the service then I’m sure they will let their elected representatives know pdq. We are not trying to force anything onto anybody. I dare say the people of the islands will make their choice with their feet if we get to that stage.
@ at all those in favour of an airstrip.
Please tell us how many Gozitans will be using the airlink to go to work or study in Malta? Since it lands in Luqa after the air trip one needs to get a taxi or bus to go to work. Apart from the expenses does this make sense for the Gozitan workers?
I agree with S. Vella that Gozo channel needs to be improved and with the amount of money spent on aircrafts and airstrips, it could be spent wisely for a better ferry and bus service.
I agree wih T. Stivala, that a hydrofoil service to Valletta or Sliema will make much more sense.
S. Vella, I don’t think you are fair attacking Mr. Tyrell, I am sure he has Gozo’s interest at heart. I also believe that if Gozo keeps losing it’s charm, there will be nothing left for tourists and Maltese to come and visit.
I think the people you should be attacking are the politicians who have always put Gozo last on their priority lists. How many years has it been since some decent work has been brought to Gozo? And I am sorry I don’t believe the lame excuse “that it is not viable for companies to come to Gozo” .
@S.Vella. Have you some problem with understanding the written English language or something? I’m not speaking on behalf of Gozitans, I’m speaking as a tourist, which I have every right to do. Since you seem to keep missing the point I’ll say it again;
“If you check my past letters you will see that I have always stated that the only people who have a right to decide whether or not there is an air link between Gozo and Malta are the Gozitan people themselves as they are the ones who would have to live with it. The only vote I as a tourist would have would be by taking my money elsewhere.”
Is that clear enough for you or would you like it translated into some other language?
@ S Vella
Can you please tell us how come the Government subsidize the low cost airlines and finds it difficult to subsidize the helicopter ?
Mr.Tyrrell for your info our post was placed at the same time if you check it out so I was not able to read it and I was talking about your article not your post in which you include Gozitans and not only tourists.
Also Mario B the government subsidizes the ferry also so maybe he’ll include also the helicopter or aircraft. Time will tell. And don’t say that tourists will be gone because of an airstrip since we already have no tourists around. Gozo is now dead! It has become a retirement place. Why can’t my 3 yr old daughter have the opportunity to fly an aircraft when she grows up? ( She will just have to migrate to do so). Why can’t we ever see any kind of development to better our island just because some arrogant tourist insists that we leave Gozo quiet just like a crib?
I also can’t understand how Mr.Tyrrell enjoys his time on the ferry because I certainly don’t. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard tourists say they won’t visit Gozo again because of the terrible smell. I would certainly use the airlink to the airport to catch a flight for 24 euros.
@Dave Hunter. Just wondering Dave, you state and I quote, ‘This aircraft will take 9 American passengers and their luggage even at 45 C.’ Why do you specifically say American passengers? Could this be some indication of your views on for example the size of American people?
@S.Vella. So according to you I’m arrogant for expressing my opinion as a tourist but you of course are quite free to express your opinions. Interesting position!
What you have to remember is that I was brought into this argument when your friend Roy Perry decided to speak on behalf of tourists telling us what we wanted. I disagreed with what Mr. Perry had to say on my behalf and expressed my disagreement in the press. That is my right.
The ferries could be improved I agree but as Mario b says the money it would take to set up an air link service would go a long way towards that improvement. Having used both the helicopter service and the ferry over the years I can state that the helicopter did not get me to Gozo any quicker and a fixed wing service would be no different. Also the ferry is a much more relaxed way to arrive from my point of view as a ‘tourist’.
You state that Gozo is dead from the point of view of tourists. I would assume that if that is indeed the case it is a seasonable problem due to the time of year and would need to be addressed by for example the Ministry for Gozo and the Gozo Tourist Authority coming up with something to attract visitors during the lean periods. If there is nothing there for tourists to do then it may explain their absence. It certainly wasn’t dead a month ago when I was there as you could hardly move for tourists especially in Victoria.
It’s interesting that you are already planning your 3-year-old daughters future and her migration! I was sitting beside a man on the flight to Malta this year who told me that both his sons were pilots. He didn’t mention them having to migrate!
@ Dave Hunter. Mi-8 in passenger configuration has up to 28 seats. I recall that the Bulgarian serviced helis on Gozo-Malta route had slightly less, perhaps 21 to 23 seats – just for the record. I used the service happily but I have to admit it was not any faster than Gozo channel due to waiting time at MLA for the heli service.
I recall one occasion in 2002 or 2003 when I checked into LH flight on Gozo, and then the heli service was cancelled. We left the heliport somewhat later than planned on a minibus, which took the ferry and then drove us right to MLA, and we made the flight on time.
My only wish is to have a similar service on Gozo, where I would check in with luggage and be driven by minibus to MLA straight to security, and same way straight from the plane to the bus on arrival, receiving the luggage on Gozo.
The last thing I want as a Gozo foreign resident is the small private air planes frequently buzzing above my garden. And I am not retired, not even 50 yet. One thing I cannot understand is why there are so many people, Gozitan, Maltese, and foreign, who wish to destroy so rapidly whatever worthy is left of this magnificent place.
@ however Your are spot on the argument
e ask my question again especially to S VELLA
Can you please tell us how come the Government subsidize the low cost airlines and finds it difficult to subsidize the helicopter ?
IS THIS A VERY DIFFICULT QUESTION TO ANSWER MR VELLA ?
The govt doesn’t subsidise LLC, it subsidises new routes, which AM could also start. On that basis, I guess the helicopter/aircraft to Gozo could also be subsidised as a new route, but would it be money well spent ?
@However– What happens when the ferry doesn’t go and you miss your flight. BTW I was already aware of the capacities of the MI-8 helicopters and the other ones produced by various factories from the former Soviet Union under the Mil banner.
Why do you people seem to have this attitude to your backyard and quite happily use the very form of transport you would deny others. As you don’t want small private aircraft buzzing around would you prefer big ones? BTW the Gozo-Malta air service would be done by a commercial aircraft not a private one and in terms of most private aircraft it is rather large.
I understand that Tristan da Cunha hasn’t got an airfield perhaps you would be happy there then again because it doesn’t have an airport you would not have the convenience of being able to fly there.
Sometimes in life to have the convenience you have to sacrifice just a little. Remember the pilots of those small private aircraft may very well be the pilots of your aircraft to Malta in the future.
@Dave Hunter
1. I am not against 20+ seat commercial helicopter using existing facility as it is a public service.
2. I am against extending the runway for it will take precious land, and once it is there it will be used for private flights, increasing the noise pollution for private pleasure. It is my private interest against their private interest, so I will fight.
3. When the conditions reach the state when the ferry cannot go, nothing will fly.
4. What I have enjoyed in pre-2004 helicopter service was much more the check-in facility in Gozo and luggage transfer than flying. Such facility can be arranged today without a need to fly.
I suggest that you withhold statements as to where I should be moving and what I should be sacrificing – I do not consider it polite.
Finally, seeing Gozo and other tiny islands as a pilot training facility is preposterous.
What do you mean by : “you are already planning your 3-year-old daughters future and her migration!”? Of course I think about her future, that’s what I work hard for, so she has the best future ever and much better than mine.
As for your statement ” I was sitting beside a man on the flight to Malta this year who told me that both his sons were pilots. He didn’t mention them having to migrate!” The man certainly wasn’t a Gozitan so yes Gozitans have to migrate to Malta if they wish to become pilots. This is because outsiders like you hinder any progress whatsoever on our island.
We are living in 2010 for god’s sake, we need a fast service that connects the islands. You can’t compare an aircraft with a helicopter. Let me tell you how quick the ferry is and then maybe you’ll consider shutting up your mouth. Yesterday I finished work at 7pm. There was traffic in Malta so arrived at Cirkewwa at 8.02. The ferry had left. The next ferry was scheduled at 9.20pm ( can you believe that?) It left at 9.30pm. I arrived home at 10.10pm.
So I spent 1.5hrs from my life waiting for the ferry and it happens every day. Do you call that relaxing now?
@However – what precious land would an extension to the runway take? It is already a dump site and for your info the runway was planned on the existing road and not on the fields.Also why can’t our children have the opportunity to train as pilots like the Maltese do? Small planes already fly over Gozo every day. They don’t bother us at all. Allowing them to land on Gozo would certainly not make much difference.
@Mario B. The government subsidizes the Gozo Channel as well, I don’t know why he didn’t do so also for the Helicopter, we’ll have to ask him won’t we? Maybe he’ll subsidize the aircraft as well if he thinks it will be for our own good.
@Mr Hunter. If you plan to provide an air link service I suggest you provide yearly packages for daily commuters. I’ve talked to many Gozitans who say they’ll use the service if it is well priced. That way you will be certain that in the morning and evening the aircraft will always be full.
@ Mr Tyrrell A month ago I flew from Zurich to Malta. My father left Gozo at the same time I left Zurich to pick me up. He arrived 1/2 hr later than me at the airport because of the queue there was for the ferry. Can you believe that it’s faster from Zurich to Malta than from Gozo to Malta and you say it’s better to take the ferry. You know nothing and thank god you won’t be able to vote if there’s a referendum on the airstrip.
@ S Vella
As you seem to give us all the wonderful ideas that you got .
you should first find out why this current Gov doesn`t subsidize the helicopter and then keep on preaching how useful your idea is .You admitted that you do not know why so if you want to get the facts straight
@ mario b. why don’t tell us that answer yourself? You seem to know it and while you’re at it just confirm why Gozo channel is subsidised. Most probably to compensate for the bad timetable it has got.
Maybe you don’t like my ideas because you’re afraid of Heights?? and it wouldn’t apply to you.
I been visiting Gozo for nearly thirty years and used the helicopter service once.That was in the year of its inauguration and the cost was a mere Lm4 one way, which was the attraction of the service. The flight was to say the least a nightmare and I was glad it was night time!!
These days we arrive on KM107 and after an exceptionally good air conditioned transfer we catch the 0100 ferry from Cirkewwa. This suits us very well and is also very cost effective compared to air transfer costs that are being bandied about.We would rather have money in our pockets to spend in Gozo than put it in the pockets of probably a non local operator. We are not “poor people” but look for value.
We look forward to Cirkewwa having as good a ferry terminal as Mgarr.
@Dave Hunter. “Why do you people seem to have this attitude to your backyard.” I assume by “you people” you are referring to the ones who are against the silly air link idea. The point is Dave there are other “you people” in this argument. I’m referring to you people who seem to think they have the right to force the issue of an air link onto people.
With regard to your other statement, “This is because outsiders like you hinder any progress whatsoever on our island.” First of all as an “outsider” I don’t have the ability to hinder or otherwise what you see as progress. The scary thing is Dave that you see progress as the further destruction of land on a small island. You see progress as the total destruction of the peace and quiet of the island just so you can have an airfield. You obviously don’t give a damn about Gozo and only care about you own selfish ends.
@S.Vella. You just mentioned the magic word there, referendum. This is exactly what is needed to gauge the thoughts of the Gozitan people. Notice I said Gozitan people as Maltese would have no say in the matter.
You point out that the area is already a dumpsite but I bet you have never considered organising a clean-up have you? This is an old and well-used ploy by developers in both Gozo and Malta. Turn an area into a dumping site then offer to build something nice on it to clean the area up! By the way I think you should at least try and answer mario b’s question. As past studies have shown the air link idea will not be financially sustainable so the only way it would survive for any time would be if the Government subsidized it. As they don’t appear to be willing to subsidize a helicopter service I doubt if they will be willing to subsidize a fixed wing service.
The main problem here is not the fact that I’m a foreigner, it’s the fact that I have an opinion, which differs from yours, and I’m willing to voice it.
@ S Vella you should be telling us the answers because you are bringing all these problems to our beloved island .When a development is done people with a decent head do commission what`s called a feasabilitey study .When this was done some time ago all the reports showed that this heliport of yours will NEVER SURVIVE UNLESS IT IS SUBSIDIZED
Gozo channel is used by everyone .Do not compare it to the heliport it`s like comparing ??????with ????????
@James Tyrrell. The opinion which you are voicing out is a selfish one which is based only on your interests and on those who want Gozo like a crib. We are citizens here and we want a life not a dead island. Leave us alone to decide what is best for us and our kids in our everyday life!
@ S.Vella.
Oh well. Regarding Gozo, I am as well a European Union citizen, resident on Gozo, vote in local elections, and pay tax. My opinion and word is as good as yours. Regarding outsiders, I need to not that what the “insiders” are doing to this island leaves no fear for outsiders. Is dumping waste and garbage everywhere and building ugly buildings out of place an outsider job?
Do not turn Gozo into a dump, and there will be no dump sites. Should the road be converted to to a landing strip, there will be a need for a new road.
If I would make a list what our children cannot do on Gozo the list would be too long to read. No golf, no formula 1 racing, no skiing, no real full university, no diamond mines…
Sure, S. Vella. I can sell the property and leave anytime – the world is large. But remember, if we foreigners and tourists all leave you will have to leave as well, as there will be no income but from watermelons and kunserva. That will not pay you an airport and flights. Think again.
@ James Tyrrell– You wrote the following in your last post ” With regard to your other statement, “This is because outsiders like you hinder any progress whatsoever on our island.” “. I have checked my statements written on this series of postings and I cannot see this statement. Perhaps you can enlighten me as to why you credited me with saying something that somebody else said. I would ask you to refrain from doing so in the future. I do not like being libelled and may well take legal advice on the matter. I did find the phrase in Mr Vella’s posting of the 26th at 12:23. and going by his surname he has more right to talk about Gozo than all us foreigners.
As for your tirade about me not giving a damn about Gozo. I visited Gozo on my last three visits to the archipelago and found it to a very agreeable place. The heliport is there and it should be used for the benefit of the local people. I certainly will be on the island as I intend flying the aircraft occasionally.
As the plan calls for 3 aircraft one would be based on Gozo and be available for night MedEvac purposes.
@S Vella– Good idea about the season ticket I will certainly look into it.
@Mario b – Well u never know whether the heliport will survive or not as in previous times it was only used by one helicopter which was very expensive and thus not sustainable. The heliport is still there and was not removed. You know why? because there are plans to develop it in the future whether you like it or not. Malta has many tourists and they arrive everyday even though there’s a huge airport. I can’t hear them complaining about the airport since MIA has just been rewarded the airport of the year. If you’re worried about the noise the planes make why don’t you go and stop the fireworks as well (which are our culture).
@ Dave Hunter – Go for it Dave. We want some progress in Gozo and also a faster and more reliable service to connect the islands than the one we have and have had before.
Why do so many discussions involving Maltese and foreigners end up like this
1. Foreigner and local agree – local says “thank you for expressing your view”
2. Foreigner and local disagree – local says “how dare you interfere – if you don’t like it, go home”
@S.Vella. You state, “The opinion which you are voicing out is a selfish one which is based only on your interests.” Sorry but do you actually read your own words before you commit them to paper? It reads just as well if I direct it at you doesn’t it?
Again you talk about this “faster and more reliable service” when referring to an air link. Where exactly do you get that from? Did you actually ever use the helicopter service when it was in operation? I did and I can assure you it was no faster, just more expensive.
@Dave Hunter. You are quite right Dave. The quote you mention was from S. Vella. Sorry about that. The problem is that it’s getting harder to tell S. Vella, Dave Hunter and Roy Perry apart! It’s nice that you “visited” Gozo on your last three trips and that you found it “agreeable.” I’m sure the locals were more than glad of your financial input. As you say the heliport is there and it should indeed be used for the benefit of the locals. The best way to do that would be to get the helicopter service reinstated. No extra runway required therefore no further destruction of Gozitan land. No extra buildings required as they are all in place, just a few windows required along with a clean up. But then I suppose that wouldn’t suit you unless you are PPL(H) or CPL(H) certified.
@James T– You don’t have the idea of costs of rotary wing aircraft that’s why the Spanish outfit were charging €120 per flight. Fixed wing is more cost effective. 6-7 times more fuel efficient, cheaper and simpler to maintain, easier to find good pilots. Fixed wing equals cheaper ticket. Helicopter now equals more expensive ticket.
The people want a reasonably priced service so why plump for the most expensive you can find. Example using UK flying club prices: a PA-28 4 seat fixed wing aircraft for self fly is £130 per hour the equivalent R-44 4 seat helicopter is £330 per hour both piston engined. These costs speak for themselves. 2.5 hours in the fixed wing to every hour in the helicopter and that is the same for comparing commercial fixed with rotary wing.
Any way the whole thing is up to the government and the people of the archipelago.
Hopefully Dave it will be more up to the people than the Government given the stupid decisions they have already taken with the people’s money. I’m referring of course to the construction of a new parliament, which isn’t required in the first place. At least it’s on stilts so the clowns will feel at home. Then of course there is the added bonus of a roofless theatre, not to be used during rain showers or feasts. No doubt the world of opera can’t wait to get into that! Oh and lets not forget the city gate that isn’t. But old Piano is happy at least with 2.4 million Euros for the privilege of allowing some junior in his office screw up the capital.
You know I’m just thought of the perfect solution for you folks Dave. Get in touch with Giovanna at the Gozo Ministry and tell her you want to make a film. It will entail the building of a runway and the dumping of hundreds of tons of concrete and when it all falls through they can bring over workers from Malta to put it right again.
On a more serious note Dave you just don’t get the point do you? The tourists don’t want the peace and quiet of their little island destroyed any more than the locals do. And they are not going to pay for the privilege of having that happen. I’d rather use the ferry and spend the extra at the Belussa Cafe in Victoria. Students who travel over every day are not going to use it. Workers who travel over every day are not going to use it. I mean what’s the point of getting a flight to the airport and then having to get public transport to work?
It’s got nothing to do with the price of a plane over a helicopter. It’s got nothing to do with me or others being opposed to light aircraft. I see nothing wrong with them in the right context; in fact I took the controls of one many years ago over Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, a Piper Cub if I remember right. Nice experience at the time but I prefer not to feel the floor moving up and down! You know I’m coming round to the idea of a tunnel or bridge Dave. Just think of the work that would create for the locals for many years to come, plus with EU funding, toll charges and even power generation if they incorporate tidal turbines it could be a winner.
@ James A.Tyrrell – You said-““The opinion which you are voicing out is a selfish one which is based only on your interests.” Sorry but do you actually read your own words before you commit them to paper? It reads just as well if I direct it at you doesn’t it? “. You are very wrong because my opinion is not a selfish one since I’m the native here and I speak only in the interest of us Gozitans and our needs. It is in my interest to approve of a project which would improve our lives. You have no right to interfere with what we need for me that’s a selfish act indeed. I would never interfere with plans you have in your country even though I go there as a tourist.
Also you have a way to contradict yourself. In your post 1st you say:-” Again you talk about this “faster and more reliable service” when referring to an air link. Where exactly do you get that from? Did you actually ever use the helicopter service when it was in operation? I did and I can assure you it was no faster, just more expensive. ” Then you come back and say: -” The best way to do that would be to get the helicopter service reinstated.” Make up your mind man! You’re certainly confused.
@S Vella
Mr Tyrrell is much more realistic than you are. I am a Gozitan and I am sure that what you are defending isn’t in the interest of us Gozitans .
Gozo does not need an air field We need that the current gov wakes up and bring us some decent work.
Your crusade to destroy more land will not make a difference for us.
You still haven’t answered my question
Can you please tell us how come the Government subsidize the low cost airlines and finds it difficult to subsidize the helicopter?
@S.Vella. I think you are the one who is confused. I’m speaking on my own behalf as a tourist visiting your island. I care about the island and it’s people but wouldn’t dare speak on their behalf. You on the other hand take it upon yourself to be the spokesperson for all the Gozitan people and use the ‘we’ word a lot to try and give the impression of support for your ideas, which of course you don’t have to any great degree. So tell us are you a developer or one of Roy’s little Gozo air link team who wants to turn the island into as he puts it, an aeronautical haven.
With regard to the helicopter I wasn’t contracting myself at all. I don’t particularly want to see the reintroduction of the helicopter service but should it be found that some form of air link is required then that would be the lesser of two evils. It certainly wouldn’t require the destruction of almost a further 10,000 square feet of precious land which is what Roy is calling for, and that of course would just be for the runway and doesn’t include the parking area or his other recreational ideas. If you want to talk about helicopters then answer Mario b’s question.
Could everyone just leave our island alone for heavens sake !
Here here John, well said. its amazing how much response this subject has shown. But I think now is the time for the subject to be discussed by Gozitans.
When can they start building, with a bridge, we wouldnt need a ferry, or aircraft, we would get new roads, and it would be all weather. Only problem would be increases air pollution from the extra transport. it would require extra car parks all over the island, more traffic wardens to isssue more parking tickets, more police to control the traffic, it would of course charge a toll for crossing, and Gozo ferry would have 3 ferries for sale. It would also create extra jobs for years during its construction.
Mr Tyrrrell, I don’t know who this Roy you keep talking about is and I don’t want to. I am no businessman I’m just a clerk who travels everyday to work in Malta to provide a living for my family. Try the 6am and 7am ferry and you’ll see how many Gozitans adore travelling with the ferry which you say is very relaxing. If you ask them if they agree with the airstrip most will agree. Shame on you to try and decide what we do on our land.
As for Mario B you must be some well of business man in Gozo and don’t need to travel everyday to Malta for your job. By the way the 1st helicopter was subsidized but the 2nd one was a foreign company and we were not in the EU. I hope you’re satisfied with the answer. Also Low Cost Airlines bring a huge amount of tourists to our country so it’s a benefit.
For your info 4 hrs of my everyday life are spent travelling to work, 2hrs of them waiting for your so precious ferry. We need some other communication between the islands, whether it’s the airstrip, bridge or tunnel we need it full stop and no matter how much you cry about it, something will be done soon.
@S.Vella. For your information the Roy I keep talking about is Roy Perry. He’s a foreigner living in Gozo and he is the one pushing for the air link. So how do you feel about that foreigner trying to decide what you do on your island?
I think we have finally found at least some level of agreement at least on one point. You appear to be dissatisfied with the present ferry service and you are speaking as a Gozitan who uses it every day. I understand that, but what you seem to be forgetting is that I’m speaking as a tourist who only uses it a few times a year. Probably if I was in your position I would not be happy either, but if that was the case I would take the matter up with the local Government representatives and ferry operators and get the situation improved rather than start screaming for an airstrip on the island.
You say that you are just a clerk who travels everyday to work. Do you work at the airport? Reason I ask is because if you don’t then not only will you have to pay for a flight every day but you will also have to think about a taxi or a bus to your place of employment. Even if you did work at the airport or within a short walking distance could you afford to take a flight every day? If you can then clerks must be on a better wage in Malta than they are in the UK.
You say, “Shame on you to try and decide what we do on our land.” I don’t know how many times I have said this but I’m not trying to decide anything. I have no right to decide anything. I have an opinion as you do. Our opinions differ but hey, that’s life and we each have the right to express those opinions. I could just as easily say that you are trying to decide for Gozitans what happens on Gozo even though other Gozitans have told you in these comments that they are totally opposed to the idea of an air strip on the island.
I was speaking to someone in October in Victoria whose husband is in the exact same position as you. They live in Gozo and he has to travel to Malta every day to work. I asked her what she thought of the air link idea and she said they were totally against it. They used to live in Malta but came to Gozo for the peace and quiet and if spending a few hours travelling every day was the price to pay for that then so be it. A bridge or tunnel would be the perfect solution to everyone’s problems as that way you could travel across at whatever times it suited you rather than have to wait for a ferry. That is the road you need to be going down.
The reason people currently keep coming back to Gozo is that it has something different to offer. Once you bring in direct flights you will lose that uniqueness which makes Gozo special. Tourists coming for a week or two will still use the ferry. Day trippers will use the flights and they will spend nothing in Gozo.
That’s the conundrum of light aviation – the lighter it is, the more expensive a seat on it will be. Especially when we’re talking about commuter flights to ANY island that are unlikely to fly at full capacity or close to it.
The days of pilots sleeping in their hangars, waiting for someone to pay them a few bucks for a ride to the next island because pilots love to fly… those days are over. Insurance costs, the escalating cost of avgas, and the capital required to buy an airworthy passenger aircraft of any kind saw to that. Any pilot who flies because he loves to fly had better be independently wealthy, because all he’ll do is lose money bringing people from one Mediterranean island to another at €30 a seat. It’s doubtful a motorboat could make money at that rate unless it’s running full on every leg of the trip.