The Italian Air Force has donated a North American, Texan T6G trainer aircraft to the Malta Aviation Museum. It follows the Fiat G91 that was donated to the museum in 1997.

The Texan T6G was a two-seat trainer used during WWII to train pilots, mostly in the United States and Canada. Trainee pilots started their training on a basic trainer like the Tiger Moth (similar to the airworthy example at the Aviation Museum) , then progressed on to the T6 Texan, or as known to the RAF, the Harvard.

The aircraft donated to the Malta Aviation Museum was one of several hundred handed over by the United States to friendly nations during 1952-1953 to help them rebuild their air forces.

After serving with at least two Italian Air Force flying schools the aircraft was retired and placed in storage.  

Aircraft engineers from the Aviation Museum, led by David Polidano, travelled to Forli to dismantle the aircraft and load it on a trailer for shipment to Ta’Qali.

The aircraft finally ‘landed’ at Ta’Qali last Saturday and will be reassembled for display.

The museum said the donation was made possible by Colonel Luca Mariz, Commanding Officer of the Italian Military Mission Malta, Major Michele Lumia, Ex Brigadier (rtd) Martin Xuereb, Colonel Mark Said AFM and Warrant Officer Oliver Bennett AFM.