Spanish operator Helisureste has inaugurated a replacement service between the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo, using a Bell 412. An earlier operation using two Bulgarian-registered Mi-8s closed last year after the islands’ entry into the European Union brought them under new EASA rules.

The 13-seat 412 will fly 18 daily sectors to link with international flights at Malta’s International Airport. Agreements are in place to enable passengers to buy tickets from point-of-origin to Gozo; however, a stand-alone return ticket costs $115 and a single is $69.

The 15-minute flight offers passengers an alternative to a two-hour ferry ride.
A Helisureste spokesman said the company plans to break even during the first year and is already considering introducing new services from Malta to Sicily and Libya.