Spitfire for Malta airshow

A Supermarine Spitfire, the famous British Second World War fighter plane, will be flying at the Malta International Airshow to be held on September 28-29.

Belonging to the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), the Spitfire will bring a lot of nostalgia to older folk and provide an opportunity to the younger generation to view this magnificent machine at close quarters.

The arrival in Malta of this historic aircraft a couple of days before the airshow will mark the culmination of years of hard work by the Malta Aviation Society to secure the participation of this warbird, Joe Ciliberti, president of the Malta Aviation Society said.

The Malta Aviation Society has been trying to bring a Spitfire to Malta since the first airshow in 1993 and was rewarded for its efforts by the confirmed participation of the aircraft.

The organisers are indebted to the British High Commission for organising participation at this year`s airshow in the form of a Mk XIX, Griffon-engined Spitfire. Vodafone is the main sponsor for the show.

British High Commissioner Howard Pearce has been instrumental in convincing BBMF to send one of their Spitfires, going as far as visiting their headquarters personally at RAF Coningsby, UK.

This year marks the 10th edition of the airshow, undoubtedly a most successful and hugely popular event. The show will also mark the 60th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to the people of Malta.

Mr Ciliberti said that it was extremely difficult to bring such a war machine to Malta.

"Generally such planes are only flown within the UK. Flying to and out of Malta, the Spitfire will practically take up a whole season of flying hours.

"The RAF BBMF are very appreciative of the gallant effort the Maltese made during WW II. The Spitfire will be a fitting tribute to all those who fought during the war," Mr Ciliberti said.

The Red Arrows will perform at the show together with a number of other aircraft.

This year`s show will be organised by the Malta Aviation Society, Malta International Airport, Malta Air traffic Services, Armed Forces and the Ministry of Economic Services.