Updated 1151
Airport’s seat load factor betters pre-Covid February
The Malta International Airport has reported 379,073 passenger movements in February, doubling its traffic when compared to the same month last year. The airport company noted that despite February being a 28-day month, it was only 262 passenger below the traffic recorded in January, signaling encouraging results for the winter season.
February’s average seat load factor stood at 82.6%, a 6.8% increase over the seat occupancy registered by the MIA in February 2019. (TVM)
Rental market shot up in 2022, study finds
The rental market has shot up significantly last year in Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta when compared to the year before, according to a new study. The report, carried out by Djar and EY attributes the increases to a return of tenants following recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a higher demand for properties located in those areas. Yields for two-bedroom apartments in the three localities rose by an average of 3.64 percentage points, with Valletta showing the largest increase. (Times of Malta)
30-year-old refuses to testify against Albanians for fear of repraisal
A 30-year-old Albanian man, Artan Coku has refused to testify against Albanians Daniel Muka and his brother Begtash, who are undergoing separate proceedings relating to a €333,000 heist. The man said he feared for his family’s safety as the reason for his refusal. Coku was sentenced to four years in jail last month after admitting to taking part in the October 2017 robbery of a jewellery shop. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Former Labour Sec-Gen laments spineless individuals in party
Labour’s former general secretary Jason Micallef has called out “spineless” Labourites who he claims have climbed up to the topmost ranks within the party to the detriment of others who helped launch their political careers. In a long post on social media, Micallef highlighted his personal achievements, but expressed disappointment and disillusionment because of what he describes as “the fake people who unfortunately reign, and also keep sprouting, simply on the belief to save themselves, their chair or role”. (Times of Malta)
PM highlights opportunities for farmers
In a visit among the farming community in Tal-Fiddien, Rabat, Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke about how the financial aid offered by the government along the years had supported farmers. He also referred to reforms in the sector during the first year of the legislature, including the reform on laws regulating agricultural lease (qbiela).
He also recognised how during the pandemic and international challenges due to the war in Ukraine, the government had continued investing in the sector. (TVM)
PN condemns PM ‘odious statements’ on magistrate
The Nationalist Party has condemned Prime Minister Robert Abela’s “odious statements” on the magistrate carrying out the inquiry into the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia.
“The Prime Minister’s words are reckless, unreasonable, and merely aimed to escape shouldering political responsibility for Sofia’s murder,” Nationalist MP Karol Aquilina said. The PN was referencing comments by PM Abela in which took to task Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia for taking too long to complete an investigation into the death of Jean Paul Sofia, 20, who died last year when a building under construction collapsed at the Corradino Industrial Estate. (Maltatoday)
65 architects receive warrant to practice their profession
Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi presented warrants to 65 architects who completed their studies and passed the warrant exam and thus can start practicing their profession. Zrinzo Azzopardi spoke about the significance of giving the warrant to professionals, such as architects, as a recognition from the state towards them to exercise their profession. This recognition has several duties and responsibilities attached towards the profession and towards society.
