The world famous Red Arrows will once again be performing during this year’s ‘air X Malta International Air Show’, now in its 21st edition. But aviation enthusiasts and the general public is in for a real treat as this year’s event will feature not one, but two aerobatics teams. The second one being the Pioneer Team from Italy.

The Pioneer Team flies 4 aircraft in close formation, performing daring maneuvers whilst combining fireworks in their display. Their website promises a 12-minute, non-stop action packed programme.

Details about this year’s participants and shows were given by Malta Aviation Society President Joe Ciliberti. During the press conference, held at the AFM’s Air Wing Base in Hal Safi, Mr Ciliberti said that around 40 aircraft will be on display, and around 8 aircraft will be doing flying displays.

Mr Ciliberti said that more countries were invited to participate,  but some of them could not attend due to their financial situation. A lot of European air shows were cancelled this year, so it is a big feat to not only hold an air show, but also have the Red Arrows participating.

Also participating in this year’s edition are the German and Polish navies, as well as NATO. As usual civil aircraft will also be included in the program, as is Air Malta.

The Airline’s Chief Commercial Officer Philip Saunders announced that in the next few days Air Malta will be launching a competition on its website, giving two people the chance to meet with the Red Arrows pilots on a boat.

Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella said that the Air Show is an important event for the country, with tourists coming to Malta specifically for the event. He announced that in two years time Malta will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first flight into the country. The first plane that flew to Malta was a naval sea plane that landed in Grand Harbour in 1915.

The Air Show will be held between 28 and 29 September and the opening times are between 10am and 5.30pm. The public is urged to use public transport, with routes being serviced from Valletta to the Air Show and back.