3 comments so far.airX Malta International Airshow set to be the largest edition to date
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This years’ edition of the airX Malta International Airshow is set to be the biggest edition ever organised. This was announced by Mr. Joe Ciliberti, President of the Malta Aviation Society organisers of the annual national event.
“The Maltese public will be treated to 4 aerobatic teams; the Italian Frecce Tricolori, the Spanish Patrulla Aguila’, the Turkish team Turkish Stars and the RAF Red Arrows. This, along with other flying displays such as a Swiss F18, Belgian F16, Czech L-159 alca, as well as the participation of a total 13 countries, will make this years edition of the Airshow the biggest one so far” stated Mr. Ciliberti.
It was also announced that other countries might be added to the list of participants in the coming weeks. The airX Malta International Airshow, which will be held on the 27th and 28th of September 2014 is expected to attract thousands of aviation and photography enthusiasts.
Lt. Col. Clinton O’Neil, Commanding Officer, AFM Airwing said that the Airwing will once more support the Airshow and participate with its assets. Lt. Col O’Neil praised the efforts of the Malta Aviation Society volunteers who do their best to organise and strengthen the event every year.
John B. Matthews, Chairman of main sponsors’ airX, said that airX is very proud to extend its sponsorship agreement in support of the Malta Airshow for the second year running. Mr. Matthews also announced that the airX fleet has increased once again with the addition of two Boeing 737 aircraft, configured for executive business charter of larger groups such as music tours, football clubs and government delegations. Both these aircraft will be registered under the Maltese flag.
Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis, praised the Malta Aviation Society for their commitment in providing the country with a national event with such high standards. “It is not only an enjoyable event for the Maltese but it also raises Malta’s profile overseas. We are now firmly on the map of International Airshows and this year will see a record number of participating aircraft and 4 aerobatic teams, making the airX Malta International Airshow a world class event.”
Unfortunately and as good as this airshow is, it will never be a world class event until adequate and accessible to all public transport is organised. The last few years have been awful and no one organised any transport to take people from the nearest bus stop up the hill and into the venue. For those with mobility issues that has proved difficult in the extreme. It is a shame!
I hate to say it, but I have to agree. I went last year and was expecting there to be coaches taking you direct to the air show from The Phoenician Hotel as there was other years. But there was none, and no one knew if indeed there was any transport laid on , except for the normal Arriva Bus service which ment a long walk from there Bus stop to the show. So it was a wasted journey all the way from Gozo.
I understand that 1 year ago the public bus drivers had a form of action which prevented the buses from the terminus but I feel very strongly that the organisers should make an effort and run shuttle buses from the bus stop Farrug. We flew over from UK for the airshow 2 years ago on the basis that there would be public transport, as we were informed by the organisers, yet there was none. My wife who has mobility issues had a very hard and painful time walking from the nearest bus stop up the hill and back again. That was compounded by very little seating available. Last year we were living on Gozo and the same situation arose. Unless we can get transport direct from Gozo to the gates then we shall not go again.