Super-fast jets whizzing through the sky as they loop each other, leaving trails of coloured smoke are expected to return fourfold at the Malta International Airshow.

The Malta Aviation Society is in the final stages of roping in a record four aerobatic teams for this year’s edition of the airshow to be held next month.

The famed Red Arrows of the UK and Frecce Tricolori of Italy will be joined by aerobatic teams from the Turkish and Spanish air forces.

Joe Ciliberti, president of the Malta Aviation Society, said this year’s edition was expected to be the biggest ever since the airshow started being organised in 1993. The 22nd edition will be held on September 27 and 28.

The show is expected to be a bonanza for plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts with the participation of an uncommon, Czech-built L-159 Alca fighter aircraft of the Czech Air Force and a Phantom aircraft in the colours of the Greek Air Force.

The German Air Force will also be present with Tornado, Orion and Dornier Do 228 aircraft. A Nato early warning aircraft, known as AWAC, will be on display.

The airshow will for the first time include a flying display by an F-18 fighter jet – in previous years these jets were only on static display – belonging to the Swiss airforce.

Mr Ciliberti said entrance tickets for Saturday’s event were priced at €13 each while the Sunday tickets were priced at€15 each.

Children under 14 enjoyed free admission when accompanied by an adult.

The airshow is organised by the Malta Aviation Society and Malta International Airport and is supported by AirX, a private luxury air charter company, and the Armed Forces of Malta.