The Aviation Magazine Dec 2014-Jan 2015, Volume 6 issue 1,

REPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY BIAGIO PACE The 22nd Malta International Airshow organized by the Malta Aviation Society was held on the 28/29th Sep‐ tember 2013. For the second year running, the air show was sponsored by air X, an international aviation company based in Malta. The weather was not as one would expect with grey skies for most times – espe‐ cially during the early afternoon flying displays. Late cancellations by the Turkish Stars, Qatari Air Force Her‐ cules C‐130 and the Belgian Air Force display F‐16 did not mar the air show which was yet again superbly or‐ ganized.

This year’s arrivals began on Thursday 26th and as in previous editions of the air show, the MAS vol‐ unteers and pass holders were taken to the Runway 31 threshold to view and capture the arrivals.

The gates were open from 10.00 am to 5.30pm on both days. Attendance was one of the highest in recent years so much so that additional free parking places outside the airport perimeter was allocated for Sunday and all these were managed very efficiently by the younger volunteers from the Malta Aviation Society.

Despite the cancellations mentioned above, the organizers had se‐ cured three display teams which surely spiced up the public’s interest as well as that of foreign media and aviation enthusiasts from Europe.

This year, an official Press area was available thus enabling the media to capture all the action from the taxiing line. Spectators were as usual in a very strategic place close to where the taxiing aircraft and flight display took place thus being able to capture all the action without difficulty.

Though Medical and Rescue crews were present, luckily their intervention was not required. Restroom facili‐ ties were predominant and clean. A large refreshment and food stall with reasonable prices was available with separate queuing for air crews, air show volunteers and spectators. Other smaller stalls and a children’s play area were set up around Park 4.

The Official Air Show Merchandise shops were kept busy on both days with the glossy 84 page Malta Interna‐ tional Air show 2014 Souvenir Program selling fast at €3. Most merchandise was sold by the end of the air show.

Local flying schools were kept busy with young students enquiring about the various pilot, cabin crew and other courses being offered. The Italian Military mission were also present with their own stands selling Army memorabilia and showing their aircraft to the public present. The Armed Forces of Malta’s newest heli‐ copter, the Augusta AW139 was in the static display for the first time and the interest generated by the pub‐ lic was great.