UNIQUE LAUNCH EVENT FOR A UNIQUE CAR
Porsche Cayman S races off against Air Malta Airbus

Thursday 9th February 2006 will be remembered as a red letter day in Maltese aviation and automobile history. Not only will it be the day of the unveiling of one of the world's most exciting new supercars, the Porsche Cayman S, but it will also be the day set for a challenge never seen before on the Maltese Islands or on any of Porsche's new car launches worldwide.

The location is Malta International Airport on runway '24' and its parallel taxi way. On the morning of Thursday 9th February, the Porsche Cayman S lined up against a brand new Air Malta Airbus 320 with registration 9H-AEK set for a speed competition never seen before - 3/4 ton of the ultimate in high performance German engineering against a 75 ton jet loaded with the latest European aviation technology.

The ground speed of the Air Malta aircraft hurling down the runway reaching a takeoff speed of just over 150mph (240kph) is extraordinary, but the Porsche Cayman S is capable of much higher speeds with a possible top speed of around 180 mph (275kph) and a 0 - 100mph (160km/h) acceleration time of just 12 seconds. With no speed limits on the runway the Porsche has the comfort and the confidence of superb braking power from the all round disc brakes.

The scene was set for an awesome contest of speed, power, luxury, technology and entertainment. Needless to say both Air Malta and Porsche claimed victory. In reality both the aircraft and car came out with flying colours as they raced down the 2600m long runway to the delight of those present.

The activity was a once in a lifetime experience and was coordinated by the team from MAS Communications, Porsche and Air Malta with the support of the Malta International Airport.