Grey skies failed to put a dampener on the airX Malta International Air Show yesterday as thousands watched Europe’s best aerobatic pilots give a stunning air display.
Running into its 22th edition, the air show saw many take up strategic points, armed with binoculars and cameras to watch this year’s highlight – the RAF Red Arrows.
Two other popular teams – the Italian Frecce Tricolori and Spanish team Patrulla Aguila, were also on display.
With the largest flying display programme to date, plane spotters can enjoy 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 is also present with Tornado, Orion and Dornier Do 228 aircraft. A Nato early warning aircraft, known as AWAC, will be on display.
There will also be a flying display for the first time by an F-18 fighter jet – in previous years these jets were only on static display – belonging to the Swiss airforce.
Entrance tickets for today are €15 each. Children under 14 accompanied by an adult enter for free. The entrance to the air show, which is at Gate 9, Malta International Airport, is located on Ħal Farrug Road Luqa, just past Lufthansa Technik.
The air show 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.
A pilot waves to the crowds.
Today’s programme
12.15 – 12.20pm: AFM Alouette III flag flight.
12.20 – 1pm: Frecce Tricolori display team.
1pm: Red Arrows support.
1.30 – 2.10pm: Patrulla Aguila display team.
2.20 – 2.30pm: Search and Rescue demo – Missione Militare Italiana Malta.
2.40 – 2.50pm: RAF Tucano solo display.
3.10 – 3.20pm: Czech Air Force L-159 Alca solo display.
3.25 – 3.50pm: Swiss Air Force F-18C Hornet solo display.
4.15 – 4.30pm: Air Malta and Red Arrows flypast.
4.30 – 5pm: Red Arrows display team.