A World War II Tiger Moth aircraft took off from Ta' Qali today, marking the first time the airfield was used since the 1970s.

Malta Aviation Museum Director Ray Polidano said that the Museum basically footed the bills for the aircraft's restoration, with his son, David, conducting most of the repairs and Vintage Fabrics handling the fabrication. "The restoration took two years", he said.

The plane will take part in two flying displays in the valley between Mdina and Mtarfa as part of the Mdina Grand Prix. Today the plane flew to Luqa airport, where it will remain sheltered. The plane will fly back to Ta Qali on Monday.

Mr Polidano hopes that the Malta airport will designate a hanger to permanently host the plane to protect it from storms.

"The Tiger Moth is made of wood, so it is extremely fragile", he explained.

The Museum is currently undertaking another restoration, of a Piper L4, a light aircraft used as a spotter for the US army during WWII. Mr Polidano hopes that these aircraft can help the Maltese film industry, with the Malta Film Commission already having approached asking if any biplanes are available to be used in a film. "These aircraft can help attract further investors in the film industry," he argued.

Most of the funds for the museum come from visitors, however EU funds were used to build the two hangers in Ta' Qali, he added.

The Museum recently received a 'Texan' aircraft, donated by the Italian Airforce. 

Photos and Video by Reno Psaila