Air Malta will fly in formation with the Red Arrows at this year’s AirX Malta International Airshow. This prestigious occasion, on the airline’s 40th anniversary since its first flight, was announced during a press conference by Joe Galea, Air Malta’s Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, Captain Martin Ferrando, Head of Training and Joe Ciliberti, President of the Malta Aviation Society, organisers of the annual national event. The conference was held at the airline’s head office at Skyparks.

Air Malta will join the ranks of world class airlines; British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates that have performed similar flypasts together with the Royal Air Force aerobatic team. This special event, which is being held on Sunday 28th September, will also mark the end of the Arrow’s 50th display season and their last show for this year.

Speaking at the conference Mr Galea said, “This is a very prestigious honour for us on our 40th anniversary. We at Air Malta are very proud that one of our Airbus A320s will be performing a flypast with the Red Arrows. The flying display will happen a week after Malta celebrates its 50th anniversary since Independence and this event continues to show the close links that exist between Malta and the United Kingdom, Air Malta’s primary tourism market.”

Captain Martin Ferrando, who will be the Commander of the flight, said, “This flypast will be a special occasion for us and to Air Malta’s history. The Royal Airforce aerobatic display team have built their reputation on commitment and professionalism, attributes that we at Air Malta share. We have been planning this event together with the Red Arrows meticulously over the last couple of weeks and we believe that it will offer the Maltese public a unique flying display.”

Commenting during the conference Mr Ciliberti said, “This years’ edition of the airX Malta International Airshow is set to be the biggest edition we have ever organised. The show, now in its 22nd edition, will be held on the 27th and 28th September at Malta International Airport. This flypast will be this year’s main attraction and on behalf of the organisers I wish to thank both Air Malta and the RAF Red Arrows for organising such a show.”

THINK directors Bjorn Azzopardi and Chris Cutugno also announced the launch of an airX Malta International Airshow mobile app.

The application provides information about this year’s edition of the Airshow as well as an interactive function which can be used during the show itself.  Those downloading the app will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive competition which will be held during the Airshow.  THINK will be using beacons placed at various points at the airfield during the airshow which will interact with the app and ask the user a number of multiple choice questions.

Those replying correctly to the questions asked will have a chance to win a flight provided by Air Malta.

The app can be downloaded from the App Store and Play store.

Held annually in September, the Malta International Airshow is one of Malta's largest outdoor family events. The event, organised by the Malta Aviation Society attracts huge crowds of Maltese and foreigners interested in aviation.

This year’s attractions include 4 aerobatic display teams, the RAF Red Arrows, the Frecce Tricolori, Patrulla Aguila and the Turkish Stars.  Solo displays include a Swiss AF F-18 Hornet, a Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcon, an RAF Tucano and a Czech AF L-159 Alca.  The static display is also full with a wide variety of aircraft.