An intriguing Malta connection on one of the aircraft at the world's largest military airshow at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire held last month, caught the eye of Joe Ciliberti, president of the Malta Aviation Society.

Among the aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2006, there was a Pakistan Air Force C-130 Hercules specially painted as a show of gratitude towards the countries that helped Pakistan after the 2005 earthquake that claimed 73,000 lives.

Many countries provided much-needed assistance during that difficult period.

The Royal Air Force provided C47 Chinook helicopters to help evacuate the injured while US helicopters flew more than 3,300 sorties delivering relief supplies to the disaster area and transported over 15,000 people, including around 4,000 needing medical attention.

An additional 250 US military and civilian cargo airlift flights delivered in excess of 7,000 tons of medical supplies, food, shelter material, blankets and rescue equipment to Pakistan.

Malta contributed towards the relief effort too and the Malta flag was painted on the aircraft's port underwing section of the fuselage.

All nations that participated in the recovery process were featured on this aircraft, which had over 50 flags painted for this special occasion.

Another Malta connection was the special farewell to a military aircraft that is well known here. After its first flight in 1949, the Canberra bid its final goodbye in front of a huge crowd at RAF Fairford.

The very last version of the Canberra flying with the Royal Air Force was the PR9 (Photo Reconnaissance) derivative. Many Maltese remember the Canberra when it was based here for many years during the RAF presence at Luqa.

At one time RAF Luqa was home to two squadrons of Canberras and even had all the PR9 fleet flying out of here.

Many Maltese ex-RAF servicemen and women who were associated with number 13 and 39 squadron will fondly remember the Canberra as did many who were present for the Canberra's last farewell in England, Mr Ciliberti said.