Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528951
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The site is owned by the Lib- yan Higher Vocational Insti- tute after the Libyan govern- ment bought the land in 1976. In 2013, a new agreement was signed with the Maltese government, removing the restriction that the institute could host only Libyan stu- dents, with the Libyans prom- ising a €22.4 million invest- ment to cater for international students. The proposed mosque and the residential block were pre- sented in two separate plan- ning applications. A third planning application has also been presented to change the use of the existing school from a boarding facili- ty to a non-residential educa- tional facility. All three appli- cations have been submitted by the Libyan Higher Voca- tional Institute. The new residential block is proposed on 1,017sq.m, which currently forms part of the school grounds. According to the application, the development will entail the uprooting of eight carob trees. The mosque is proposed on 423sq.m, which also forms part of the school grounds but does not include any existing trees. The third application, which retains the existing use of the building as a school re- moves the residential require- ment. Malta already has a mosque and Islamic centre in Paola, whose first stone was laid by former Libyan leader Muam- mar Gaddafi in 1978. The mosque is run by the Is- lamic Call Society. However, the need for a second mosque has been pressing for the past few years, as the number of Muslims, both foreign and Maltese, has grown. Another planning applica- tion for a mosque on a plot of land in Luqa's industrial estate has been pending for years. The land was offered to Is- lamic Solidarity Malta, which does not fall under the author- ity of the Paola mosque, by the government, instead of a tem- porary site of worship at L'Os- pizio in Floriana. Two-storey mosque and 40-apartment block proposed at Ta' Giorni Libyan school ZERO, the brand under SKY ThinkTank and operated by SKY Mobility (Malta) Ltd., has announced that its FlyingZE- RO Air Delivery Service has received official approval from Transport Malta's Civil Avia- tion Directorate (TM CAD). FlyingZERO showcases the future of vital logistics for Mal- ta, following a rigorous series of test flights supervised by TM CAD's UAV inspector. Using certified, fully electric drone type aircraft with a pay- load capacity of up to 3kg and a range of 120km, FlyingZERO provides an eco-friendly, effec- tive solution to alleviate road congestion while prioritizing environmental responsibility through renewable energy. On 29 October, 2024, Flying- ZERO completed a success- ful trial flight from St. James Hospital in Zejtun to St. James Hospital in Sliema. The aircraft was able to fly this route in just 7 minutes, significantly faster than the typical 21-minute car journey plus traffic congestion. Rooted in its mission to serve both people and the planet, ZERO represents a new fron- tier in sustainable logistics. Through its advanced drone technology, eVTOL innova- tions, and a steadfast focus on sustainability, ZERO pro- vides critical delivery solutions to urban centres and remote communities alike. Life-saving deliveries made faster and reliable FlyingZERO has placed healthcare at the forefront of its service priorities. The ini- tial operations feature drones delivering vital supplies be- tween St. James Hospital in Zejtun and Sliema. While a car journey along this route can take 21 minutes, Fly- ingZERO completes the jour- ney in a mere 7 minutes – a critical time advantage that could make the difference in emergency situations. In the near future, Flying- ZERO plans to launch drone routes between Malta and Gozo, with estimated flight times of just 15 minutes at 120 km/h. Alexander Esslinger, Director of SKY Mobility, said: "What we have demonstrated today is a powerful solution for those in need of rapid, dependable transport. FlyingZERO is ide- al for Malta and other island nations facing road congestion challenges. With this service, we're truly making a differ- ence." Malta's first air delivery service approved by TM FlyingZERO uses certified, fully electric drone type aircraft with a payload capacity of up to 3kg and a range of 120km The mosque is proposed on 423sq.m, which also forms part of the school grounds