The Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, have returned to Malta’s air show this year after they were forced to cancel their appearance last year due to technical problems.

Six of the jets had developed problems in their oxygen systems which had made it difficult for the pilots to breathe and therefore the aircraft had been grounded in Sardinia to undergo repairs.

The year’s air show is sponsored by Air x.

Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella welcomed all participants of this year’s air show, adding “we hope to have a good show as we had in the past years”.

Air x chairman John Matthews said that six months have passed since Air x started operating in Malta after having transferred its headquarters to the island.

He said that the company will do its utmost to strengthen its ties with Malta.

He said that the Legacy 600 will form part of the display.

He pointed out that the company will eventually launch an apprenticeship scheme for Maltese students interested in the aviation sector.

Joe Ciliberti, president of the Malta Aviation Society pointed out that the organisers had their mind at rest the minute the Red Arrows confirmed they would be performing during this year’s air show.

He said that an Air Malta jet would also be forming part of the flying display.

The Red Arrows will be performing tomorrow and on Sunday.