Aircraft enthusiasts and families can look forward to a packed weekend of activities at next week's Malta International Airshow, which boasts a freefall parachute team, a water bomber and the thunder of the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16.
After two years of using St Paul's Bay as an alternative location, the 17th edition of the airshow returns to Malta International Airport, Luqa, with 55 static and display aircraft from eight countries: Malta, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Greece, the UK and the US.
Jointly organised by the Malta Aviation Society and Malta International Airport, the airshow has returned to Luqa now that the construction of the Lufthansa Technik hangars is complete. This year's main attraction will be the French Breitling Jet Team flying a formation of L-39s and fighter planes from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Malta Aviation Society president Joe Ciliberti explained.
Another highlight will be the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment's Parachute Team 'The Tigers', made up of five jumpers and one director, which will freefall during show.
The two-day show, starting on Saturday, is packed with events and entertainment for the whole family. Aircraft lovers and people curious to see inside a plane's cockpit will be able to do so in the static display section.
A Royal Air Force Harrier, a German Air Force Tornado and two Royal Netherlands Air Force F16 planes are among the aircraft that will take part in the show.
An Italian water bomber, used for wildfires, will carry out a drop demonstration. This aircraft usually skims the surface of a lake, river or sea to drop around 7,000 gallons of water on the fire.
Mr Ciliberti said he was very satisfied with this year's line-up, remarking that it is better than the last two shows.
"The airshow is a way of fostering interest in the aviation industry and each year more and more people turn up," he said.
Pre-sale tickets can be bought from Malta International Airport for €7 until Friday or for €8 at the gate. Admission is free for children under 14.
Ten tickets for the airshow can be won through the daily competition that starts tomorrow on www.timesofmalta.com. Every day from Monday to Friday, one lucky person can win two tickets for the show.