Turkish Airlines Pilot Dies During Flight

Oct 10 2024

A Turkish Airlines pilot has tragically passed away mid-flight, after collapsing during the journey from Seattle to Istanbul.

The airline confirmed that the tragic incident prompted an emergency landing in New York.

Pilot İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, lost consciousness shortly after Turkish Airlines Flight 204 departed from Seattle on Tuesday night, according to a statement by airline spokesperson Yahya Üstün.

Despite medical efforts to revive him, the captain could not be saved. The co-pilot opted for an emergency landing, but unfortunately, the captain passed away before the plane could touch down, Üstün added.

According to data from FlightAware, the Airbus A350 made an emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport shortly before 6 a.m. Arrangements were then made for passengers to continue to their final destination from New York, the airline’s spokesperson confirmed.

Pilot İlçehin Pehlivan had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, and a routine health check in March revealed no issues that would have prevented him from flying, spokesperson Yahya Üstün stated.

“As Turkish Airlines, we deeply mourn the loss of our captain and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones,” Üstün added.

#MaltaDaily

MEP Thomas Bajada Calls for Action on Mental Health During European Parliament Session

Oct 10 2024

During a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEP Thomas Bajada urged policymakers and the public to promote open discussions on mental health.

He shared his own personal struggles, emphasizing that mental health issues affect many people in their daily lives.

Mental health statistics in Malta highlight the urgency of this issue. According to the latest Eurobarometer report, two out of every three people in Malta have faced emotional or psychological difficulties this year.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

However, more than half of those individuals did not seek professional help, primarily due to the persistent stigma and fear surrounding mental health issues.

Bajada called for mental health prevention and support to be prioritized in policymaking, particularly in the EU. He emphasized the need to place citizen well-being at the center of decisions and encouraged everyone to be a voice for those suffering in silence.

By addressing the plenary on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, MEP Bajada is calling for a Europe that places the well-being of its people at the forefront of its priorities.

He is advocating for collective responsibility and action to ensure a healthier, more compassionate society, both now and in the future.

#MaltaDaily

Prince Edward Visits Dar Tal-Providenza, Malta Paralympic Committee

Oct 10 2024

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi, Malta, where he engaged with para athletes and met with residents, staff, volunteers, and local sporting communities.

The Duke was welcomed by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, and Prof. Joseph N. Grima, President of the Malta Paralympic Committee. Among the attendees were various dignitaries, including Malta’s Auxiliary Bishop and government ministers.

During his visit, the Duke interacted with athletes from Malta’s Wheelchair Basketball and Frame Football teams and enjoyed a wheelchair dance performance.

He also met with para rowers and administrators from the Siġġiewi Rowing Club, which promotes an inclusive approach, allowing athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments to train alongside top rowers.

The visit concluded with the Duke presiding over a certificate ceremony for the “Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Schools Competition,” an initiative involving over 50 participants from eight schools.

The competition aimed to raise awareness of adaptive sports and inspire inclusive sports in schools.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza, a Church-run NGO, offers residential services for individuals with disabilities, fostering a family-like environment. The premises, once a Royal Navy Rest Camp, have been repurposed to empower residents and promote their abilities.

#MaltaDaily

Gozo Rural Airfield Extensions Approved By PA

Oct 10 2024

The Planning Authority has approved the Gozo Rural Airfield project, proposed by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

This project was an electoral promise by the Labour party, emphasising the importance of improving connectivity between Gozo and Malta.

Minister Clint Camilleri explained that the project aims not only to enhance transport links but also to create new economic opportunities in sectors previously untapped by Gozo.

‘These initiatives are expected to generate high-quality jobs and align with the Gozo Regional Development Strategy, involving various stakeholders’, a statement outlining the approval explains.

The minister stressed that environmental considerations are a key aspect of the project, with mitigation measures planned to minimise both visual impact and noise from airfield activities.

The Gozo Rural Airfield project will not involve the use of virgin or agricultural land. Instead, it will extend the existing runway on land previously allocated for development when Local Plans were revised in 2006.

The site had been misused for construction waste dumping. No new buildings will be added, but the existing structure, previously used for helicopter services, will be renovated.

This project represents a step towards improving Gozo’s connectivity while respecting environmental concerns and creating new economic avenues.

#MaltaDaily