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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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Malta Aviation Museum

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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01/06/2026

Today’s History in Picture

This official wartime photograph shows Tenente Pilota Michele Saluzzo, navigator of 253ª Squadriglia, 132° Gruppo, preparing to board his Martin Baltimore, “Fiorellino”, at Campomarino in early 1945. Saluzzo is seen wearing both his parachute and life jacket as he gets ready for another operational sortie. The image was taken for distribution to newspapers and magazines, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Italian aircrew during the final months of the Second World War. A closer look reveals an interesting detail: in the upper right-hand corner of the aircraft’s fuselage is a bright circular aluminium patch, covering damage caused by anti-aircraft fire.

The Martin Baltimore was operated extensively by the Royal Air Force, as well as by the Greek, French, and Italian air forces, but it was never used operationally by the United States Army Air Forces. Today, it is often referred to as the “forgotten bomber”, as no complete example survives in any museum worldwide.

By 1945, the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (at that time called Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force) was using the Baltimore in support of Tito’s partisans in Yugoslavia and Italian forces fighting German troops in Albania, contributing to Allied operations in the Balkans during the closing stages of the war.

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28/05/2026

Today’s History in Picture

Something a little different from the Malta Aviation Museum collection - a postcard featuring VX580, beautifully illustrated in watercolour and drawing by Nicholas Ward.

Built by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd at Weybridge in 1950, VX580 served as a VIP transport aircraft in Malta, Egypt, and Cyprus, and later with the Metropolitan Communications Squadron. Following its retirement from service in 1968, the aircraft was flown to Norwich Airport and handed over to the local Air Scouts, beginning a very different chapter in its history.

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25/05/2026

Today’s History in Picture

Two Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.Mk. 2As aircraft of No. 15 Squadron taking off from RAF Luqa in April 1973. Photographed by David Spiteri Staines, the image captures the distinctive low-level strike aircraft during the height of the Cold War period, when Malta remained an important staging point for RAF operations in the Mediterranean.

Originally designed for maritime strike duties, the Buccaneer later proved highly effective in the RAF’s ground-attack role thanks to its speed, endurance, and low-altitude performance.

21/05/2026

Photo of the Day

McDonnell Phantom FG.Mk.1 XV585/P of No. 43 Squadron landing at RAF Luqa in February 1973.

Photographed by David Spiteri Staines, this image formed part of a series later printed as postcards and sold through the Malta Aviation Museum shop.

The Phantom FG.1 was one of the Royal Air Force’s most powerful and recognisable Cold War fighters, combining speed, range, and advanced radar capabilities. Aircraft from No. 43 Squadron, the “Fighting Cocks,” were frequent visitors to Malta during this period.

18/05/2026

Photo of the Day

Less than a year after the inauguration of Ħal Far Airfield on 16 January 1923, another flying display took place on 19 February 1924 at the request of Field Marshal Lord Plumer, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Malta.

The photograph shows five of the six Fairey Flycatchers of 402 Flight during a mock attack on a fort-like structure erected within part of the airfield, demonstrating the capabilities of naval aviation in the early interwar period. Such displays offered both training opportunities and a public demonstration of military aviation at a time when air power was still in its early development.

14/05/2026

Today's History in Picture

Fairey III D, N9773, equipped with floats, flying over the Maltese countryside during the 1930s.

The Fairey III was widely used by the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm in a variety of roles, including reconnaissance and maritime patrol duties. Float-equipped aircraft such as this were particularly suited to operations in the Mediterranean.

This photograph also provides a rare view of Malta’s rural landscape before large-scale modern development transformed much of the island.

11/05/2026

Photo of the Day

A beautiful aerial view of Cessna Bird Dog L-19E 9H-ACD (AS9209) flying over Malta’s stunning Blue Lagoon in March 1995.

This versatile liaison and observation aircraft was one of five acquired from the Italian Army, arriving in Malta on 4 February 1992. Originally designed for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and communication duties, the rugged Bird Dog became well known for its reliability and excellent low-speed handling.

07/05/2026

Today's History in Picture

Seen here is BAC 1-11 518FG G-AXMH “Halcyon Sun”, operating in the striking colours of Court Air Flight Guide.

Today, the Malta Aviation Museum proudly exhibits the preserved nose section of this historic aircraft, keeping an important chapter of British commercial aviation alive for future generations.

Built as construction number 000202, the aircraft was first registered to Court Line Aviation Ltd on 1 December 1969 and made its maiden flight from Hurn Airport on 12 January 1970.

Following the collapse of Court Line in August 1970, the aircraft continued its career with several operators, including Dan-Air Services as G-BDAS from February 1975, before later joining British World Airlines in December 1992 as G-OBWB.

In late 1995, this veteran BAC 1-11 achieved another milestone, becoming the first Series 500 to surpass 60,000 flying hours.

04/05/2026

Photo of the Day

A classic jet trainer captured in Malta -this BAC Canberra T.Mk.4 (WT478) of No. 39 Squadron is seen at RAF Luqa in October 1970.

The Canberra, one of Britain’s most successful post-war jet designs, served in a wide variety of roles, from bombing to reconnaissance and training. The T.Mk.4 variant played a crucial role in preparing crews for operational duties, maintaining the high standards of RAF aircrew during the Cold War.

Photo Credit: David Spiteri Staines

30/04/2026

Today's History in Picture

These two photographs capture officers and aircrew of No. 38 Squadron gathered in front of one of the unit’s Avro Lancaster G.R. Mk.3 aircraft at RAF Luqa, on 20 February 1953.

By this stage, the legendary Lancaster had transitioned from its World War II bombing role into maritime reconnaissance and search duties, continuing to serve in the post-war years.

The images offer a rare glimpse into squadron life during the early 1950s, with the crew posed proudly beside their aircraft. Do you recognise any of them?

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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