The Red Arrows returned to Malta yesterday to thrill the crowds at the AirX Malta International Air Show. The jets’ signature red, white and blue tail smoke filled the clear September skies as they performed a series of choreographed manoeuvres. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Thousands of people huddled into shaded patches along a scorching runway to marvel at the AirX Malta International Air Show yesterday.

The two-day air show took flight with a varied schedule of installations including microlights, Royal Air Force and Armed Forces aircraft.

Pop singer Ira Losco faced her fear of heights by strapping herself in for the ride of a lifetime in an aerobatic jet. The singer was accepting a challenge put to her by her fans on Facebook.

The undisputed crowd favou­rites, however, remained the Red Arrows, returning to thrill aviation enthusiast after a two year absence.

The nine jets’ signature red, white and blue tail smoke scored the clear September skies as they performed a series of choreographed manoeuvres.

Onlookers gasped in disbelief as the jets spun in corkscrew formation from a dizzying 2,500 meters above sea level.

The aeronautic ballet was encored by a series of formations in tribute to beloved RAF aircraft. Among the tributes was a tip of the hat to the Lancaster Bomber to celebrate 70 years since the Damn Busters Second World War contribution.

Today’s event opens at 1pm with a series of displays by the AFM, and the Italian Pioneer team, who fuse pyrotechnics with daring flying finesse. The Red Arrows will close off the air show today with a performance at 4pm.

Tickets cost €12 children under 14 are free.

The Italian Pioneer team take to the skies. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier