Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528057
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 18 OCTOBER 2024 NEWS MATTHEW VELLA mvella@mediatoday.com.mt A Gozo-based aviation compa- ny has obtained operational au- thorisation for flight tests from Transport Malta, paving the way for Malta's first air delivery ser- vice. After two years of preparation annd assessments, Flying Zero's drone-type aircraft will position itself in the logistics industry in Malta with a commercial launch to follow the successful comple- tion of final flight tests. Speaking at a press event, "This is the beginning of a new era for Malta, where real Fly- ing Zero deliveries are the right choice when time is of essence, transferring urgencies from con- gested polluted roads fast and safely to the air," CEO Alexander Esslinger of Sky Mobility Malta said. The air delivery service will introduce a fully sustainable, environmentally friendly air delivery, using cutting-edge Swiss technology. During a proof-of-concept demonstration in Ta' Qali in the summer of 2023, the com- pany showcased the immense potential of remotely piloted drone type aircraft deliveries to support Malta's goal of achiev- ing net-zero emissions in the aviation sector. Esslinger said the technology will be integral to the forth- coming commercial launch, serving as a change-maker in industries with urgent delivery needs. Key service areas include the rapid and secure transport of critical medical supplies, such as blood samples, between healthcare facilities. The company has already partnered with St. James Hos- pital as its first customer to ensure lifesaving deliveries like blood samples in times-sensi- tive situations by beating Mal- ta's traffic congestion by air. For maritime operations, Fly- ing Zero will deliver bunker samples and medications to ships at sea. The service will also cater to retailers and online merchants, offering fast, reliable, and envi- ronmentally friendly last-mile deliveries for small parcels, documents, and other essen- tial goods, further enhancing the customer experience for Malta's growing e-commerce sector. "Flying Zero is more than just a delivery service—it is a solution to Malta's growing demand for eco-friendly logis- tics," Esslinger said. "By taking delivery vehicles off Malta's congested roads, the company supports the na- tion's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 already to- day." The company is now actively recruiting remote drone pilots from Malta and Gozo. Their team, comprising high- ly skilled professionals with deep industry expertise, said it will set a new standard for the logistics industry by integrat- ing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. "This pioneering initiative is a bold step toward reduc- ing Malta's carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy, offering a greener, fast- er alternative to traditional de- livery methods," Esslinger said. Malta's first air delivery service will carry critical medical supplies across islands CEO Alexander Esslinger (inset) said that Flying Zero deliveries are the right choice when time is of essence, transferring urgencies from congested polluted roads fast and safely to the air ON Saturday 12 October, 'Siġar' - a newly registered Gozitan voluntary organisation - hosted its first tree-planting event outside Ta' Kenuna Tower and Gardens in Na- dur, Gozo, in partnership with Nadur Lo- cal Council and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. Members of the environmental NGO were joined by the mayor of Nadur, Edward Said, and local tree expert Joseph Bonello from the Ministry for Gozo, who showed attend- ees how to 'plant the right tree, in the right way in the right place'. Siġar will hold similar events around Gozo villages over time. It aims to provide local volunteers with an opportunity to plant and learn to take care and grow young trees successfully despite Malta's challenging climate conditions. Siġar will seek to involve local schools and volunteers from the wider community to participate in future small scale tree plant- ing activities, including regular watering for the following two years to ensure that the healthy young trees establish correctly. Evidence shows that planting indigenous trees, particularly in urban settings, can help in the fight against climate change and sup- port biodiversity. Trees absorb carbon emissions, release clean energy, decrease temperatures, pro- vide welcome shade and serve as shelter and habitat for different species, thereby form- ing part of a chain in ecosystems which are so important for humans who depend on them every day. In addition, trees can help local wildlife live and thrive by providing animals and insects with food and shelter, whilst sup- porting local ecosystems. Indigenous trees are also particularly suited to Gozo's climate conditions and soil types and, once planted, often require less water and fertiliser than non-native species. As such, Sigar NGO is committed to only use young trees raised from local seeds by collaborating with the island's Plant Nurs- ery and Experimental Farm managed by the Rural Gozo Directorate. With less than 1% of tree cover in our country, Siġar NGO also believes there are many potential opportunities for small scale tree planting projects within Gozo villages, complimenting any larger afforestation pro- jects and tree planting strategies current- ly supported by the local councils and the Ministry for Gozo. Siġar will work with them to cultivate a greener future for Gozo's residents and aims to increase the number of healthy trees planted on the island of Gozo. New Gozo NGO Sigar plants first trees THE Bank of Valletta branch in San- nat is not shutting down and is only temporarity closed while refurbish- ment works are being carried out. Following numerous complaints and messages by readers, many of whom were concerned that the bank's branch in the village might be closing its doors, GozoToday reached out to BOV directly. A spokesperson for the bank con- firmed that the outlet in Sannat was being refurbished and "will be open to the public in the very near future". BOV Sannat branch to stay