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Monday 09:00 - 16:00 Tuesday 09:00 - 16:00 Wednesday 09:00 - 16:00 Thursday 09:00 - 16:00 Friday 09:00 - 16:00 Saturday 09:00 - 16:00 Sunday 09:00 - 16:00

Malta Aviation Museum

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The Malta Aviation Museum is a non profit organisation that works hard, with its limited resources, to acquire, preserve and restore historical aircraft.
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22/10/2026

WWII History in Picture

De Havilland Mosquito NF.XII HK124 of No. 256 Squadron RAF, pictured over Malta during the Second World War, with RAF Luqa below and Valletta and Fort Saint Angelo visible in the distance.

Originally built as an FB Mk II fighter, HK124 was converted into an NF Mk XII night fighter by Marshalls of Cambridge between 8 January and 6 June 1943. The conversion included the installation of AI Mk VIII radar, which enabled the aircraft to detect enemy aircraft during night operations. The Mosquito was one of the RAF’s most versatile aircraft of the war. Its combination of speed and advanced technology made it particularly effective in the night-fighter role.

HK124 survived the war but was eventually scrapped in 1956.

Can you identify Valletta and Fort Saint Angelo in the distance? Let us know in the comments!

20/10/2026

IMPORTANT VISITOR NOTICE FOR SATURDAY, OCT 24

Planning to visit us this coming Saturday? Please note that the Malta Aviation Museum will be closing early at 1:00 PM (last entry at 12:00 PM) to accommodate a private event. We encourage you to arrive early to enjoy your visit for that day!

Thank you for your understanding.

19/10/2026

Today's History in Picture

This photograph features Bristol Beaufighter TF.X RD850, later redesignated as a TT.10 target tug, an aircraft that served with several RAF units before arriving in Malta.

RD850 initially served with No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Chivenor, before moving overseas to Nicosia, Sallufa and eventually Malta. Based at RAF Ta’ Qali, the Beaufighter participated in local flypasts and air shows, becoming part of Malta’s post-war aviation scene.

However, its service in Malta came to an unfortunate end.

On 14 August 1958, RD850 was damaged during a ground-towing incident at Ta’ Qali, when its tail section struck the edge of a taxiway. The aircraft was struck off charge later that year but remained at the airfield. Following further damage in a ground-handling accident in 1960, RD850 was finally scrapped.

15/10/2026

Photo of the Day

Captured during the Malta International Airshow in September 2000, this photograph shows BAE Hawk T.1 XX172 wearing its striking Welsh Dragon colour scheme.

The aircraft was primarily used as the station flight’s “hack” at RAF St Athan, serving as a utility aircraft for the station. However, its distinctive appearance attracted considerable attention from aviation enthusiasts during its participation in European air shows.

XX172 made two appearances at the Malta International Air Show, visiting the island in September 1999 and September 2000.

Following its retirement from active flying in August 2017, the aircraft found a new role as an instructional airframe at MoD Boscombe Down, continuing to serve in aviation training.

12/10/2026

WWII HISTORY IN PICTURE

This photograph shows the Malta Aviation Museum’s Spitfire EN199 flying over the Bologna area in March 1945. At the time, the aircraft was serving with No. 225 Squadron RAF and was being flown by a pilot named Alan Holt.

The Spitfire’s mission was to photograph German positions from the air, providing valuable reconnaissance information. To protect it during these missions, another Spitfire flew alongside as an es**rt. This aircraft was known as a “weaver” because it moved from left to right while flying, helping to keep watch for potential threats.

Look closely at the photograph and you may notice the non-standard external fuel drop tank fitted beneath the aircraft. This tank was also involved in an amusing incident. On one occasion, Holt was asked to perform some manoeuvres over the airfield to impress a visiting general. However, as he pulled the Spitfire up, the fuel tank suddenly fell away! What was intended to be an impressive display ended up making a rather different impression!

Do you know any other unusual or amusing stories from the Spitfire’s wartime service? Share them in the comments!

08/10/2026

TODAY’S HISTORY IN PICTURE

This photograph shows Aerospatiale SA 316B Alouette III 9H-AAX of the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing.

The helicopter was one of three Alouette IIIs left behind by Libya when Libyan forces departed Malta in a hurry in the summer of 1980. After remaining grounded for several years, efforts were made to return the helicopters to service.

Following the insistence of Brigadier Carmelo Vassallo and the intervention of Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, the three helicopters were eventually sent to Aérospatiale for a complete overhaul. Two returned to Malta in December 1992, while the third followed a few months later.

On 1 May 2000, 9H-AAX received its Maltese military serial and became AS9212.

On 7 March 2024, AS9212 was forced to make an emergency landing in a field at Qrendi, not far from Malta International Airport. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the crew.

The helicopter has remained grounded since the incident.

05/10/2026

Photo of the Day

A Westland Wessex HU.5 XT453 of 845 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, operating from the aircraft carrier HMS Bulwark in 1974. The Wessex is seen lifting a lightweight Land Rover during an operation at sea. Interestingly, the Land Rover appears to have no registration plate, leading to the suggestion that it may have been destined to be dumped at sea after being used for training or operational purposes.

XT453 went on to have a long career after its flying service. In 2009, it was used as a winch demonstrator at Yeovilton Air Day before being transferred to HMS Sultan at Gosport, Hampshire. There, the helicopter continued its service as a non-flying training airframe with the Royal Navy’s Air Engineering and Survival School (AESS), where it was used to train mechanics and aircrew.

01/10/2026

Today's History in Picture

This photograph taken at RAF Luqa shows Avro Shackleton AEW.2 WR963, named “Ermintrude”, following the tradition of No. 8 Squadron naming its Shackletons after characters from The Magic Roundabout.

Clearly visible above the fuselage is the distinctive, if antiquated, “Spark Plug” radar installation of the AEW.2. The aircraft was equipped with Orange Passive S-band and X-band radar, providing the Shackleton with its airborne early warning role.

The photograph also captures one of the Shackleton’s most distinctive features: the contra-rotating propellers fitted to its four Rolls-Royce Griffon engines. Look closely at the fuselage and you can also see the yellow, blue and red flashes unofficially carried by No. 8 Squadron’s Shackletons. These markings were inherited from the Hawker Hunters previously operated by the squadron.

28/09/2026

Photo of the Day

This photograph, taken at Hal Far in 1975, shows a Douglas DC-3 powered by Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 engines being run up in front of the M.I.A.C.O. maintenance hangar.

In the background is a rather unusual aircraft - Douglas C-49J N189UM, which was being refurbished as a special VIP aircraft, reportedly for a sheikh in Algiers. The refurbishment work was carried out by M.I.A.C.O. employees, while the aircraft’s interior upholstery was entrusted to Joe Cutajar & Sons Upholstery of Valley Road, Msida.

Did you know this aircraft or remember M.I.A.C.O. at Hal Far? Tell us what you remember in the comments!

24/09/2026

Today's History in Picture

Captured during the 1997 Malta International Airshow, this photograph by Anthony Spiteri shows Shorts Tucano T.1 ZF136 of No. 1 Flying Training School, RAF.

The Tucano T.1 was used by the RAF as an advanced trainer, preparing student pilots for the transition to fast jets.

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Address

Malta Aviation Museum Foundation
Ta' Qali
ATD4000

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 16:00
Thursday	09:00 - 16:00
Friday	09:00 - 16:00
Saturday	09:00 - 16:00
Sunday	09:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+35621416095

Website

http://www.maltaaviationmuseum.com/

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