by DARRIN ZAMMIT LUPI

The seaplane service linking Grand Harbour to Mgarr will be up and flying on July 23.

Operated by Canadian company Harbour Air Seaplanes, the aircraft is initially planning to run five 20-minute round trips a day from the Valletta Waterfront to Mgarr harbour.

Members of the press were strapped up and treated to a smooth 25-minute scenic tour of the islands yesterday, departing from the picturesque Waterfront in Grand Harbour. The aircraft lands outside the harbours and taxis in like a boat to moor alongside a pontoon. The 14 passengers will pay Lm15 for a one-way trip. Gozitan passengers and early risers will pay Lm12.

The company is also planning to introduce a series of scenic tours, priced at Lm27, especially for the cruise liner passengers, who will disembark within metres of the aircraft. The Malta service will only be the second passenger seaplane in Europe, apart from a similar one based in Corfu.

A spokesman for Harbour Air said a connection to Sicily using a seaplane was planned for next year.

AUTHOR: THE TIMES TUESDAY 10 JULY