Page 23 - World Airnews Magazine March 2021

ADVERTORIAL DRONES

FEDERAL AIRLINES HEADS FIRST DRONE ECOSYSTEM

TO MADIKWE GAME By Chris Cauchi

RESERVE DAILY

he first drone pilot training acade-

designed for total relaxation in a Malaria free environment. Every Tmy was launched in Malta in early
visit will provide the guests with a rare privilege of a possible citing February. The company known as Malta

outhern Africa’s leading and pioneering air shuttle carrier, of the highly endangered African Wild Dog also known as ‘the Drone Centre Limited is a joint venture be-

painted dog’.
SFederal Airlines now off ers daily fl ights from Johannes- tween Maltese interests and UK company
Federal Airlines is actively involved in the conservation of

burg’s OR Tambo International to the wonderful Madikwe Game wildlife and the environment. Recently the airline partnered Vantage UAV.
Reserve, in the Northwest Province of South Africa. with The Rhino Orphanage (TRO) in Limpopo in their quest to The academy has received all the nec-

Using multiple aircraft types ranging from an Embraer E145, successfully reintroduce orphaned baby rhinos safely into the essary approvals including the ones from

Beechcraft 1900 Airliner to a Pilatus PC-12. Federal Airlines diverse wild. The orphanage is the first specialist, dedicated, non-com- Malta Enterprise. Among those addressing
the local press who gathered for the event

fleet ensures the passengers explores and enjoys the South African mercial centre that cares for orphaned and injured baby rhinos there was senior manager Anthony David
stunning and breathtaking natural landscape from the air. with the only aim of releasing them back into the wild. Gatt who took those present on a historical

For the past 20 years, Federal Airlines has perfected the guest Federal Airlines operates under strict health protocols as man- journey since the early 20th century when
shuttle services to some of Africa’s premier safari lodges. Operating dated by the South African and global health and aviation author- the first drones made an appearance on

under the Internationally recognized Safety and Quality Manage- ities. Under these protocols, aircraft are cleaned and disinfected the world stage.

ment Systems, the airline ensures that every flight experience is after each flight with customers being provided with a hand sanitis- safety of citizens ... b.) non-esclusivity in the Malta. President Ranier Bezzina signed the

He continued to explain that in today’s

tailored to meet and exceed the passenger’s expectations. er and face masks for their comfort. world drones are being employed in a use of facilities ... and c.) operations have agreement on behalf of Hibernians while

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International airport, passengers are Flights to and from Madikwe are operated using our fleet of myriad of roles including the agricultural to respect in full Malta’s neutrality which is CEO Kurt Farrugia signed on behalf of Malta

met with a warm South African welcome by a Federal Airlines staff Cessna Caravan aircraft. Seating up to 12 persons, these planes, sector and road repairs. In order to set up enshrined in the island’s constitution. Enterprise. Ministers Ian Borg and Miriam

member before being escorted to the check-in desk for their flight known for their utility and flexibility provide unparalleled dispatch the Malta Drone Innovation Ecosystem During the same press event, Malta Dalli were also present for the event.

to Madikwe Game Reserve. While waiting for the flight, guests are reliability, and are a favourite amongst customers who enjoy its huge effort has been put in by a number of Enterprise signed an agreement with Hiber- TM-CAD officials Analiza Abdilla, Rachel

seated in our exclusive lounge that was built and decorated in the comfort and the amazing views out of the large windows as we fly entities including Transport Malta and INDIS nians so that the football ground in Kordin Grech and Stephen Spiteri Staines were all

style of an African luxury safari lodge making you feel as though over the panoramic African landscapes. among others. Anthony David Gatt insisted would start being used by Malta Drone singled out for the sterling work done in

your holiday has already started while enjoying complimentary For an unmatched African safari experience and a memorable that the drone industry in Malta has to be Centre and any other potential drone pilot the setting up of the highly promising Malta

refreshments, canapés, light meals and Wi-Fi. flight service book now via the Federal Airlines website (www. based on three important pillars a.) the academies who decide to set up shop in Drone Innovation Ecosystem. Q

Home to Africa’s Big 5, Madikwe boasts of diverse wildlife and fedair.com) or by contacting a member of our reservations team by

pristine flora and fauna. The Ultra-luxurious safari camps are emailing shuttle@fedair.com. Q

HELICOPTERS
GULF MED AVIATION
SERVICES GROWS
By Chris Cauchi
job given its superior range. This will see Gulf Med flying to oil rigs in

During the past two years, the com- the West African region. Interestingly,
ulf Med is a company which is pany has achieved great success on Gulf Med is going to collaborate with the

Gfully focused on the helicopter the international stage. Addressing a University of Malta and Malta College for

sector established in Malta five years ago. press conference chief executive officer Arts Science and Technology (MCAST) in

The name does not hide its origins Emma Finlay-Broadbelt said the com- an attempt to attract more locals to take
and for those in the know it comes pany has won a contract to do mainte- up studies in helicopter maintenance.

as no surprise that it is an offshoot of nance work on helicopters flown by the The press conference was also ad-

a well-known Qatari company Gulf Cypriot police. dressed by Malta minister for economy,
Helicopters. The highest echelons at the They have also secured a contract with investment and small business Silvio

Qatari company quickly realised that the Croat government. Schembri as well as INDIS chief executive

Malta’s strategic location can be used Gulf Med Aviation has also invested in officer Karl Azzopardi who has been one

to great effect. This has resulted in oil a Eurocopter EC135 which it flies on be- of the architects behind Malta’s renais-

rigs located in Libyan territorial waters half of Steward Healthcare to transport sance in the aviation sector.

being continuously replenished and patients between Gozo and Malta. While addressing the distinguished

serviced from the island. Finlay-Broadbelt said despite the guests gathered for the event Karl Azzo-

The company used the Bell 412 in the difficult market conditions the company pardi said that everyone at INDIS-Malta

past but company insiders have told us will start running a number of helicopter looks forward to seeing the entire industry
that the Agusta Westland AW189 has contracts that were previously in the return to the strong performance that was

been found to be better suited for the hands of the mother company in Qatar. being registered prior to the pandemic. Q
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