The 21st airX Malta International Airshow organized by the Malta Aviation Society was held on the 28/29th September 2013. As expected the weather was quite favorable with clear skies on Saturday and overcast with light wind on Sunday - but surely very hot! The organization was flawless and the hospitality shown by the organizers and all the volunteers was second to none.

As is customary, on the afternoon of Friday 27th, the MAS volunteers were taken to the Runway 31 threshold for the arrival of the aircraft. From this location one could also photograph the commercial airliners landing and departing runway 31. A special arrival was the Yemen Air Force C235 on its delivery flight from Seville in Spain.

The organizers are to be commended for their efforts to put up yet another interesting airshow despite the reduction in military participation at airshows by various Governments worldwide. Though the static display was significantly smaller when compared to previous air shows, this did not dampen the enthusiasm by the public which came in large numbers to the airshow at Park 4.

The gates were open from 10.00 am to 5.30pm on both days. Attendance was higher than last year’s so much so that additional parking place was allocated for Sunday. Free Parking on Apron 3 was handled very efficiently by the younger volunteers from the Malta Aviation Society.

On Saturday, the VIP seating area complete with its own refreshment area was restricted to the official sponsors air X whilst on Sunday this area was available to the public for an additional €5 charge. Sadly, there was no official Press area this year but this did not preclude the accredited media from capturing all the action. The airshow Facebook page was continuously being updated with news and photographs taken by the society’s PR team. Spectators were close to where the taxiing aircraft and flight display took place, thus being in a strategic place to capture all the action. A refreshment and food stall with reasonable prices was provided for crews, volunteers and spectators to take a break. Other smaller stalls were set up around Park 4. Restroom facilities were predominant and cleaning staff did a great job throughout both days. Medical and Rescue crews were present but luckily all went well despite the heat and their intervention was not required.

The volunteers at the Official Airshow Merchandise shops were kept busy with the public asking and buying specific memorabilia on both days. Once again, the glossy 76 page Malta International Air show 2013 Souvenir Program was available for sale for €3 or packed together with an official MAS 2014 desk calendar and a pack of 3 postcards for €5. A limited number of Red Arrows polo shirts signed for the occasion by all the Red Arrows pilots were also for sale at €50 each. Stands set up by local flying schools were kept busy with the public, mainly young students enquiring about the various pilot, cabin crew and other courses offered. The Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing and the Italian Military mission were also present with their own stand selling Army memorabilia - a haven for collectors.

On Saturday morning the public was given an extra and unexpected treat when a US Navy P-C3 Orion arrived from its Sigonella base for a few touch and goes and ILS training. The organizers were swift to ask permission for this training exercise to be held on RWY 23 instead of RWY 31 and thus the public present at Park 4 in the late morning could enjoy and snap photos of the P3 exercises.

Both days concluded with the air display by the much awaited Red Arrows team. After last year’s disappointment at the cancellation of their participation at the last moment due to the team’s grounding in Sardegna whilst on their way to Malta, they surely made up for it this year - on the ground by making themselves available for signing of the Red Arrows booklet and other memorabilia as well as for photo opportunities with the public which were well received. The air displays were the full Red Arrows displays including the new Lancaster formation and concluded on both days with the special smoke - namely the red and white colours of the Maltese flag – a clear symbol of the bond which still exists between the British and Maltese populations.

The Red Arrows display coincided also with a special moment, when hardworking MAS committee member Paul Spiteri Lucas proposed marriage to his girlfriend Emanda Farrugia just before the Reds made the heart formation and this was dedicated to them by Red 10 Mike Ling who was doing the commentary. Good luck Paul and Emanda.

After the air show, an elated Joe Ciliberti, Chairman of the Malta Aviation Society told me that the committee and the volunteers were happy with the outcome of this year’s airshow despite the reduction of participating aircraft but the quality of aircraft and displays made up for this. Mr Ciliberti thanked all involved in the success of this air show and said that work will commence in the coming weeks for the 2014 Air Show which he hopes will see more aircraft participation and who knows – maybe a special display team……. We wait and see.

All in all, It was another exceptional weekend at the air X Malta International Air Show 2013 and am looking forward to the 2014 edition which will be held on the 27 th and 28th September.

• Airmalta A320-214 reg no 9H-AEO (Sunday only)
• Armed Forces of Malta Bulldog reg no AS0021
• Armed Forces of Malta Alouette 316B helicopter reg no AS9211
• Italian Military Mission helicopter Augusta Bell 212 helicopter reg no MM81216
• Red Arrows Team Bae Hawk T1
• Eurojet Learjet 60 reg no 9H-AFJ (Saturday only)
• Diamond Aviation Extra 200 reg no D-ELOP (Saturday only)
• RAF Tucano reg no ZF239
• Pioneer Aerobatic Team Alpi Eagle 300 reg nos I-A688 (1), I-A596 (2), I-B524 (3), I-A690 (4)
• Private Mudry CAP21 Silver Chicken reg no I-SIVM
• Private PS 28 Cruiser reg no OK-LAU Mitchell “Georgie’s Gal”

Static displays included: