Merlins Over Malta Flight Update

Wednesday 14th September
The Spitfire, Hurricane and support aircraft left Duxford today at 15:30 heading for Jersey via Caen, but due to bad weather over the channel, they have landed at Manston in Kent. They will resume their journey to Jersey tomorrow morning.

Thursday 15th September
The Spitfire, Hurricane and support aircraft have arrived at Dinard in France. They are waiting there for the weather over Jersey to improve.

	© Frank Marson/Merlins Over Malta

Friday 16th September
The aircraft arrived in Jersey earlier this evening. Strong cross winds on the island kept them stuck at Dinard for most of the day.  They plan to depart for Malta tomorrow.

	© Frank Marson/Merlins Over Malta

Saturday 17th September
The aircraft headed back to the continent at 11:45.  There first stop was at Chateauroux to get fuel.  After this they continued onto Valence where they are staying for the night.  The depart Valence for Genoa in the morning.

	© Frank Marson/Merlins Over Malta

Sunday 18th September
The aircraft have made their first stop in Italy arriving at Genoa.  They have now had to stop at Grosseto due to bad weather.

	© Frank Marson/Merlins Over Malta

Monday 19th September
The Spitfire and Hurricane arrived at Naples after leaving Grosseto.

	© Frank Marson/Merlins Over Malta

Tuesday 20th September
The Spitfire and Hurricane are ready and in position at Reggio Di Calabria, Italy to fly into Malta's Grand Harbour on Thursday at 18:00 (local time).

	© Frank Marson/Merlins Over Malta

Thursday 22nd September
The Spitfire and Hurricane arrived through Grand Harbour at 18:00 (local time) and flew several flypasts through the historic dockyards to a huge crowd. After flying through the harbour the aircraft flew a lap of the Maltese islands.

	© Mike Tozer		© Mike Tozer

Friday 23rd September
The Merlins Over Malta team spent the day escorting Muriel Pavlow to the War Rooms where Muriel stood at the plotting table and recreated a scene from Malta Story.

Saturday 24thSeptember
Day One of the Malta International Airshow.
The Spitfire and the Hurricane were the stars of the flying display. It was a pleasure to be at the show to fly for the hundreds of veterans who were the guests of honour at the show.

	© Bryan Simpson		© Bryan Simpson

Sunday 25th September
Day Two of the Malta International Airshow.
The Spitfire and the Hurricane's day started with some Maltese rain but this soon cleared to allow a good day of flying.

	© Mike Tozer		© Mike Tozer
	© Mike Tozer		© Mike Tozer

Following the Air Show the Spitfire and Hurricane flew twice over the War Memorial where the veterans were gathered. On the second drop the Spitfire drops poppies over the crowds below.

Wednesday 28th September
The Spitfire and the Hurricane flew over the Malta Aviation Museum to dedicate the new "Air Battle of Malta Hangar". After a pairs display the two aircraft then displayed individually to the crowd of veterans and other guests.

	© Mike Tozer		© Mike Tozer
	© Bryan Simpson		© Bryan Simpson

Thursday 29th September
The Spitfire, Hurricane and support aircraft left Malta for the final time departing the way they arrived - through Grand Harbour. After one final pass they headed for Palermo in Sicily and then Olbia  in Sardinia.

Friday 30th September
The Spitfire, Hurricane and support aircraft arrived at Valance. Their route from Sardinia took them via Cannes.

Saturday 1st October
The Spitfire, Hurricane and support aircraft have been stuck at Valance due to bad weather to the north. They plan to depart tomorrow morning.

Sunday 2nd October
The Spitfire and Hurricane arrived back at Duxford after their successful "mission" to Malta.  Their route on the final day took them from Valance Duxford via Chateauroux and Jersey.