The operator licence for the Gozo airstrip seems to be a done deal, as planes tailor-made for the service have been ordered despite the fact that the Gozo airstrip, offering flights to Malta, is yet to be approved by the Planning Authority and built.
SJC Holdings, owned by Simon Camilleri, has confirmed signing a Memorandum of Understanding with UK Plane manufacturer Britten-Norman. Both companies have confirmed the deal in statements released.
SJC Holdings will acquire two factory-new Islander turboprop aircraft, with an option for a third.
The companies said the Islander has an established reputation for its low operating costs and short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, making it suitable for smaller and less accessible airports.
SCJ Holdings, based in Qormi, has several interests in Malta, ranging from safety and security to transportation.
It encompasses companies such as medilink that provided air ambulance services to Steward Health Care in Gozo to transport patients to Malta.
Disgraced former prime minister Joseph Muscat had visited the company’s headquarters in 2010, in the lead-up to the general elections, promising “less red tape”.
Through one of its companies, Gulf Med Aviation Services, SJC Holdings will deploy the two Islander aircraft “across routes covering the Mediterranean, North Africa and Europe”.
The two aircraft will be manufactured in the UK and supported by Britten-Norman’s Malta base, SJC Holdings “neighbours” at Safi Aviation Park.
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If they really are turbine versions, then the purchaser knows nothing about the business. Short hops are more suited to piston aircraft, maintenance is done purely on the basis of running hours. Turbines need to have the number of start cycles taken into account and the engines have to be shut down every time passengers are loaded or unloaded. It would be more pertinent to ask why the AFM’s sole piston Islander has been in storage for years rather than having been disposed of by sale. Waiting for someone perhaps?
Is it another white elephant?
there will be constant noise of low flying small engine airplanes around island. each student will fly 45hours minimum. they will come from all around as it will be cheap and in european union. this is biggest scam in history of gozo.
also constant skydiving so just the loudest propeller planes ever build at full throttle to climb as fast as possible.
Except that the runway is too short for student pilots!