Italian aerobatic team arrives for air show

The Italian Air Force aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori, the star of the upcoming Malta International Air Show, landed yesterday afternoon.

Speaking just before the landing, Joe Ciliberti, one of the show organisers, said seven countries including Malta were participating in the 12th edition of the show, to be held tomorrow and on Sunday at Malta International Airport.

"Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Italy and the UK will be participating alongside the Armed Forces of Malta," Mr Ciliberti said. The United States have not sent any aircraft this year since their military resources are stretched due to their involvement in military operations.

Mr Ciliberti explained that the flying display would be split into two: starting at 10.30 a.m. and again at about 2 p.m. The midday break should also feature a demonstration by the Island Car Club and a Ferrari show.

There will be a static display of aircraft on Park Four where the public can watch the Frecce team as they prepare for the display.

The Frecce Tricolori, the largest aerobatic team in the world, flying 10 aircraft, arrived in Malta shortly after the press conference. The team gave a short aerobatic display before landing and lining up one next to the other.

Minutes after climbing down from his aircraft, Frecce commander Paolo Tarantino explained that their Aermacchi were used by the Italian air force to train new pilots besides being used for display.

The Frecce came to Malta first in 1977 to inaugurate the lengthening of runway 14/22. They have flown to Malta to give a show on another two occasions.

The Frecce's history is marked by a tragic accident that happened during an air show in Ramstein, Germany in 1988. During a manoeuvre, an aircraft collided with the tail of another aircraft and careered into spectators. Seventy people, including three pilots, were killed.

Maj. Tarantino said the Italian air force had grieved the loss of three of its most experienced pilots. However, it did not succumb to pressure to lock the Frecce away in a museum.

The pilots are all between 28 - 36 years old, the eldest being Maj. Tarantino who celebrates his birthday today.

He explained that military pilots would need at least 10 years of flying experience before they could join the group. Pilots would be chosen according to their ability to integrate in the team, where they would not spend more than five years.

A C130J carrying ground equipment and the pilots' personal belongings landed shortly after.

An F-16 and a PC-7 of The Netherlands air force, along with four German tornadoes, will also take part in the show. Belgium has sent a pair of Alpha Jets while the French air force will be flying an Alpha Jet and displaying a Mirage 2000.

Britain has sent over a Harrier jump jet. However, what aviation enthusiasts would perhaps find most fascinating are the two giant Chinook helicopters which the British Air Force has provided.

The Armed Forces of Malta, the Malta International Airport, the Malta Air Traffic Services and the Malta Aviation Society are coordinating the show.

To ensure safety, a Flying Control Committee made up of ex-display pilots and other aviation experts are expected to monitor the goings on, especially the rehearsal that will take place today.

On Saturday and Sunday, gates open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. from the Hal Farrug Road. There will be a direct bus service from Valletta to the air show gate and back.