€40 million investment by Malta Airport for new apron and taxiway

Feb 23 2022

A €40 million project was given the go-ahead by the board of directors of Malta International Airport on Tuesday to develop a new apron for future growth.

The Apron X project will see the development of an area which measures approximately 100,000 square meters. This is roughy comparable to the size of 14 football pitches to ensure plentiful room.

This is set to significantly improve the airports’ aircraft parking capacity as well as its ability to better handle mixed-fleet operations. Most notably, this will be targeting the peak hours of summer as the amount of inbound and outbound flights expectedly rises.

Up to seven medium-sized aircrafts or three larger ones will be able to park in Apron X, with Malta’s airport already having an additional 20 stands for aircraft on Aprons 8 and 9. Malta International Airport Chief Executive Officer Alan Borg said that they have ‘the responsibility to start taking long term decisions, even if they may appear to be at woods with the current aviation environment, that will determine the future of the local tourism industry.’

‘Today’s approval of the Apron X investment is Malta International Airport’s strongest statement yet about its confidence ion the industry’s ability to recover to pre-pandemic levels, as well as its potential to grow further and achieve new records’ he said.

The project is set to support MIA in honouring its environmental commitments through the construction of a 10,000sq metre reservoir for better rainwater harvesting and the installation of LED floodlighting systems. It will also provide for preparatory works for the electrification of parking stands, which is inline with a European Union plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Works on the project are expected to commence in the coming weeks once the Planning Authority issues a permit.

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Photo Source: Malta Chamber of Commerce

Juventus vs Villareal ends in close draw

Feb 22 2022

Italian side Juventus managed to hold onto a 1-1 draw against Spanish side Villareal in Spain. This game was the two teams’ first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. The tie will conclude in three weeks time when Juventus host the Yellow Submarines in Turin in the Allianz Stadium.

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The match started perfectly for Juventus, as new marquee signing Dusan Vlahovic opened the scoresheet within 35 seconds of his Champions League debut. Many, doubted whether Villareal would be able to respond in a positive way but surprisingly they did creating many chances including a Giovanni Lo Celso deflected shot which hit the post and clever back heel from Arnaut Danjuma which forced Juve keeper to an impressive double save. The half ended with Villareal searching for a goal and the Bianconeri hoping to double their lead on the counter.

The second half saw more of the same action, with Villareal creating more chances whilst Juventus trying to control the match with their strong defense and constant counter attacks. The Spanish side found their long time coming equalizer in the 66th minute from an incredible Dani Parejo run and cool finish from the experienced Spanish midfielder. The game ended in a close 1-1 draw, with Villareal ending the game how they started searching to attack and find goals whilst Juventus kept up with their pragmatic approach.

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Tax incentives & €300 grants to youths practicing sport & cultural activities, Grech pledges

Feb 22 2022

In today’s Nationalist Party rally in St. Julian’s, PN leader Bernard Grech revealed the party’s latest proposal, which aims to incentivise sports and cultural activity in Maltese youths and beyond.

Grech stated that a Nationalist government will incentivise athletes training and competing abroad with a reduced tax rate, which will drop to five per cent.

The Nationalist Party leader went on to state that a government, led by himself, will grant €300 to families with children under the age of 18 who practice sports and other cultural activities such as performing arts. Grech went on to highlight that this will be the case, as long as the relevant associations are environmentally and socially sustainable and also practice good governance.

Watch the full rally below:

What do you make of this proposal?

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Marsascala Marina project to stop immediately says Prime Minister

Feb 22 2022

Speaking at a political rally, Prime Minister Robert Abela revealed that the controversial yacht marina project in Marsascala will be stopping immediately.

Abela revealed that he and Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg heard the public express their fears that the recreational joy and relaxation that the marina area brought would be taken away from the citizens.

This, said the Prime Minister, prompted the decision to stop the project immediately. The Prime Minister said that the swimming areas and the cultural heritage of the area were always considered sacred and were never to be jeopardised.

However, to quell further fears, the Prime Minister with the Transport Minister stopped the project.

Addressing his own rally, Opposition leader Bernard Grech referenced the project, saying that he hopes that the Labour leader tells his rally in Marsascala that the project would end.

Photo Source: Moviment Graffiti, Ian Borg FB, Robert Abela FB