Red Arrows wow airshow crowd
The Red Arrows aerobatics display yesterday afternoon saw the nine Hawk aircraft and their daring pilots from the UK fearlessly catapult, capsize, circle and cross each other at speeds of up to 850 miles per hour a few feet apart. The high-speed,...
The Red Arrows aerobatics display yesterday afternoon saw the nine Hawk aircraft and their daring pilots from the UK fearlessly catapult, capsize, circle and cross each other at speeds of up to 850 miles per hour a few feet apart.
The high-speed, spectacular event was one of the highlights of the Vodafone 10th Malta International Airshow, held at Malta International Airport. It left the crowds, necks craned, gaping in awe.
Another awaited event at the airshow was intended to be the arrival of the World War II Spitfire, used in the Battle of Britain. But the plane, which was due to land in Malta on Thursday, was delayed due to a technical problem, and never showed up as a result of bad weather.
The 10th airshow - sponsored by Vodafone Malta - is the largest ever, with participants from the UK, the US, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Spain and Malta.
Among the new types of aircraft taking part in the show are a pair of German MiG-29s and a brand new Airbus 318, which is yet to go into service.
The new Royal Air Force Merlin helicopter, as well as American F-16s also participated in the airshow - the second largest in Europe - for the first time. A static display was staged in two parks, one exhibiting British and Maltese aircraft, depicting aviation history over the past 60 years.
Yesterday's airshow also included the commemoration of the George Cross award, followed by a fly-past by Armed Forces of Malta aircraft.
The airshow continues today between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and highlights include a race between a limited edition Ferrari F50 and a Dutch air force F-16 fighter jet at around 1.30 p.m. The Ferrari, which is being driven by its owner Andrea Garbagnati, has been modified to bring the total power output of the car to more than 660 bhp.
Organisers said traffic congestion was eased through the provision of a shuttle service from City Gate, Valletta to the airport. They said there were less cars and they received several calls from the public, wanting to use the service. Organisers estimated that the turnout at yesterday's airshow was the same as previous years.