The Malta airshow is a recurring event and was on our bucket list for some time. After being cancelled in 2020, we took the opportunity in 2021 to go there during a lull in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. And it proved to be an altogether delightful experience.

Let us start with the local armed forces aircraft.This Alouette III performed daily SAR demonstrations over the bay, from Qawra Point to Bugibba Square.

It flew from the flighttline and is seen behind the SKA here. Super King Airs form the backbone of the Maltese aerial surveillance capabilities.

Latest acquisition is the AW139, it augments and supersedes the Alouette.

Over to the colourful static.

Malta has strong ties with Italy. So we could enjoy a huge Italian contingent. The Guardia di Finanza ventured with a PH-139D (AW139) and an UH-169A (AW169) to Malta.

The Vigili del Fuoco and Polizia sent their AW139 and UH-139C repectively.

Whereas the AMI was present with a TA-11B Ghibli ...

...and two A-200C Tornados.

Denmark had a Challenger present, this looks like a surprise but they use it to monitor refugees in the Med.

We spent some time in the approach and along the runway in this very spotter-friendly country.

Rafale 140/4-GS blast off for its display.

The ever-impressive solo-Turk taxiing to its take-off position.

The 'Reds' were also enjoying Malta, two pairs on take-off.

Swiss PC-7s always come with quite a bunch. This concludes our sample of this nice airshow.