A wartime Spitfire fighter flew low over Grand Harbour this afternoon as it arrived for the Malta International Air Show, which will be held this weekend.

The tiny aircraft flew three times over the harbour, with the sound of its Merlin engine and the unique shape of its elliptical wings recalling how it tipped the air battle of Malta in Britain's favour in 1942.

The Spitfire will, on Saturday and Sunday, take part in a flypast over the airport with the RAF's Red Arrows aerobatic team, which will also be here for the airshow.

The Spitfire seen after landing at MIA.The Spitfire seen after landing at MIA.

The airshow, now in its 20th edition, will also include the participation of Air Malta, which will be showcasing its new livery.

The national airline will have an Airbus A320 on static display during the two days of the show.

The airshow will also feature aircraft  Italy, Germany, the United States and Qatar.

The aerial displays will also include an RAF Hawk, RAF Tucano, RAF King Air, an AFM Alouette III helicopter and the Italian Military Mission AB-212 SAR display.  The civilian side will feature an Extra 200 from Diamond Aviation and a Learjet 60 from Eurojet.

The Red Arrows will arrive early on Friday afternoon from Spain and will fly on both Satuday and Sunday.

www. maltairshow.com  

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