The Gozo Tourism Association has expressed its dismay at the way the new seaplane service from Grand Harbour to Mgarr was announced.

This new “service” can in no way be described as a satisfactory replacement for the previous helicopter link between Gozo and Malta, the association said in a statement.

“At no point was any reference made to the service being aimed specifically to benefit Gozo, the Gozitans or any industry in Gozo. Rather, it looks like a venture by a company whose main aim is to realise the profit-making projections of its marketing plan.”

“Offering a memorable new type of flying experience does not imply that it will be offering a much needed service to workers who have to cross over to Malta every day, or to tourists and Gozitan travellers departing or arriving in Gozo,” the association said.

The association added that the problems which could be posed by the weather were being treated far too lightly. “This makes one conclude that, in all probability, the service will end up as a seasonal or frequently interrupted service rather than a year-round air-link. Furthermore, since such a service is totally dependent on weather conditions, it could not be reliably sold in advance for such as package holidays.”

“Gozo deserves a sustainable all-weather, year-round air-link and that this is only possible with the introduction of a fixed-wing operation. The longer the decision to introduce such a service is postponed, the more harm will be inflicted on the tourism industry on Gozo,” the association concluded.