‘The Malta Air show is a formidable annual calendar event to attract quality tourism towards Malta.’
It gives me great pleasure to be able to announce the 22nd Malta International Airshow that will be held between September 27th and 28th. This is an event that year after year has delighted people of all ages. 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 Air shows and this year will see a record number of participating aircraft and different aerobatic groups, making the Malta International Airshow, a world class event.
This air show is an event which is now firmly entrenched in Malta’s tourist calendar. It attracts not only people connected to the aviation industry but also a large number of general tourists who come here specifically for the excitement of Malta’s air show. This apart from the high level of interest shown by other visitors who choose to be among us during the dates of the event.
Aviation has an intimate relationship with our tourism industry. Airlines transport more than 98% of our incoming tourists and our air connections provide the all important link between our destination and our otherwise inaccessible markets. When aviation was introduced to Malta in the early years of the last century, it was mostly for military purposes, culminating in Malta’s important role during World War 2 as the Allies’ Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier.
Over the past decades, as our military past adapted into more peaceful economic pursuits, aviation still plays a huge role: but this time to bring tens of thousands of visitors to our shores every month to enjoy our hospitality.
The Malta Tourism Authority has been a long-term believer in the Malta International Airshow and gives support in a number of ways. Apart from financial support which assists the organisers in mitigating some of the costs involved in organizing the event, the MTA also promotes the event through its visitmalta.com portal and its events calendars which are distributed through the tourist information office network. The MTA firmly believes that annually organized high quality events help to promote Malta as an active all year-round destination in its different tourism source markets.
I am aware of other Government agencies’ support for which we are all very grateful. The Armed Forces of Malta, Malta Air Traffic Services, the Civil Protection Department and the Police will all play an important part ensuring the smooth running of this event.
Support from AirX for the second time at this event is a fine example of how the air show also provides room for commercial aviation entities to promote Malta as the ideal base for their operations.
The Malta Aviation Society has already given us twenty-one years of airshows during its forty-three years of existence. It has promoted Malta and attracted individuals of all ages and from all walks of life to share their passion for aviation. It has held hundreds of educational meetings, talks and visits in this field.
Last but not least, I thank the members and volunteers who have kept the Malta International Airshow alive, making it a big part of the 100 Year history of Aviation in Malta that our nation will be celebrating in February next year.
I wish you a successful and safe event. I have every reason to believe this will be one of the biggest air shows ever.
Source:- Malta Tourism Authority
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