Preparations are well underway for next Sunday’s 9th Decembe showdown race between an Air Malta Airbus A320 and a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. The once in a lifetime experience is being organised as part of the Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina activity and will be held within the grounds of the Malta International Airport at around 1230hrs. The aim of this event is to raise funds for L-Istrina, the annual Christmas charity event held under the patronage of the President of Malta, Dr George Abela.

The scene is set for an awesome contest of speed, power, technology and entertainment. Notwithstanding the possible top speed of over 340 km/h (210 mph) of the Ferrari compared to the lift-off speed of just over 225km/h (140mph) of the Airbus, the 21,500 horse power generated by the CFM-56 jet engines at lift-off point will give a good challenge to the 730 horse power generated by the F12 engine. With no speed limits on the 2600m runway 05/23, the activity is expected to be a breathtaking event.

This year’s Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina will celebrate its seventh edition and the fourth to be held within the grounds of the Malta International Airport.

This event is the biggest annual motoring event in Malta organised by The Malta Community Chest Fund in collaboration with Tonio Darmanin and a number of volunteers.

Paqpaqli ghall-iStrina will be held between 9am and 3.30pm. The event will be a fun day for all the family. Motoring enthusiasts will also be able to view a wide range of vehicles on display which range from vintage, to classics, modern and brand new cars.