The Red Arrows are returning to Malta after five years and will be closing both days of the Malta International Air Show in September.

The eagerly-awaited British aerobatic team had been forced to cancel its appearance at the air show last year due to technical problems.

The nine aircraft will be the highlight of the 21st edition of the show, which this year is being rebranded to Air X Malta International Air Show 2013. The Malta air show lures about 15,000 families every year.

Air X, a private air charter company within the Air X Asset Management, provides luxury private charter flights across Europe including for A-list celebrities.

It set up shop in Malta earlier this year and obtained its air operator’s certificate from the Civil Aviation Directorate and Transport Malta.

In the coming months, it is expected to issue a call for those aspiring to become pilots and will fund the tuition and work experience of the chosen candidates.

Tuition will be held in collaboration with accredited flying schools and the work experience will be with Air X.

The apprenticeship, which the company is offering as it is committed to assist Malta in developing the aviation industry and which costs between €80,000 and €100,000, is a first for the island.

Malta International Air Show president Joe Ciliberti said several countries confirmed their participation and the aircraft would range from military jet fighters to cargo planes.

The Armed Forces of Malta, Air Malta and Malta International Airport have also confirmed their support while private Maltese flying schools will exhibit their educational services and aircraft during the show on September 28 and 29.