Aviation is a popular hobby in Malta, with thousands of enthusiasts who eagerly follow any events that are held both here and abroad.

Added to this, there are also many enthusiasts who come to Malta at the time when the air show is held. It is a fascinating science and it puts on a good show for the public too. It is also an occasion for a family outing.

It was recently in the news that British project Merlins in Malta want to organise a show which will feature the return of two aircraft that were familiar sights and sounds in Malta during World War II.

These machines are the Spitfire and the Hurricane – legends in their field, as any enthusiast will tell you.

A British couple is planning the venture, which is expected to cost £100,000.

The planes will have a fly past over Grand Harbour and will also drop poppies on the war memorial monument in Floriana. In fact, the Malta Tourism Authority has part sponsored the event and has made a donation to the organisers in a bid to make it happen.

Another possibility that has arisen is that of organising an Aero Grand Prix in Malta.

This basically involves races and dogfights, all in all another great spectacle.

This event is also being masterminded by a Briton who would love to hold a race here each and every year, but who at present is still holding discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority.

These events would draw the crowds. One only has to look at the success of the air show held every year in Malta to see that there is a following, both local and of people who specifically come to Malta to watch the show.

The fact that such activities are extremely popular abroad increases the chance that when shows are held in Malta, they could result in more foreigners choosing Malta as a destination for their holiday.

In Malta, we complain that we are left by the wayside and never manage to attract high-grade entertainment to our shores for both our visitors and ourselves.

The fact that the MTA is involved in the Merlins project at least shows that the authorities-that-be are treating it as a potential tourist attraction. But what more can be done? One suggestion that comes to mind is corporate sponsorship.

The ideal seems to be fixed on sponsorship for historical restoration, which in itself is very commendable.

But perhaps some of that funding could be re-directed into efforts such as these – which actually combine culture, heritage and history.

Of course, we should also try and pump more money into the Aviation Museum, as it has some very interesting exhibits.

Restoration of aircraft is an expensive business. It is even more expensive restoring such aircraft to flying condition, but that too – with a little more help – can be done.

But the trump card in the Merlins in Malta project is that popular British television series Top Gear is set to be involved.

This would also give television exposure to Malta in a different way, showing that various interesting events do take place in this country.

We have spoken about diversifying our tourism product, and aviation is just one sector that offers us the opportunity to do so.

We should grasp these opportunities and support them, as we will surely reap the benefits in the longer term.