Operator licence for Gozo airstrip seems to be a done deal

The Planning Authority has not yet approved the project

 

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”.

Companies linked to SCJ Holdings. Source: ICIJ.

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.

                           

Sign up to our newsletter

Stay in the know

Get special updates directly in your inbox
Don't worry we do not spam
                           
                               
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Andy
Andy
1 month ago

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?

Last edited 1 month ago by Andy
saviour mamo
saviour mamo
1 month ago

Is it another white elephant?

Albert
1 month ago

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.

Jamie Buttigieg
Jamie Buttigieg
1 month ago
Reply to  Albert

Except that the runway is too short for student pilots!

Related Stories

Contracts appeals hearings to resume after long pause
The government’s mechanism for hearing appeals by objectors on
Government panics over possible €15 million bond default
A private company that, in 2016, took over a

Our Awards and Media Partners

Award logo Award logo Award logo