Biggin Hill Air Fair Press Release Archive

AIR FAIR SET FOR 2-DAY SHOW SPECTACULAR

Friday 30th May 2008

NEWS RELEASE

ADI.12/08 30th May 2008

A cavalcade of aircraft spanning almost 100 years of the history of aviation will be on show in the air and on the ground at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair over the weekend of 7th & 8th June.

Staged at the historic Battle of Britain airfield in the SE, plans are set for a six hour display spectacular commencing at 11:30 and running continuously into the early evening. The airfield also embraces a static aircraft park, funfair, classic cars, motor cycles and 250 exhibitors.

Veteran marker is the superb flying replica of the Bleriot monoplane made of wood and fabric and flown by Michael Carlsson from Sweden. The type made headlines in July 1909 when Louis Bleriot became the first to fly across the English Channel.

Ten years later in 1919, Alcock and Brown made the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a Vickers Vimy bomber. A fine replica of the famous aircraft will be flying in the show, providing a reminder of the considerable advance in the 10 years since the Bleriot achievement.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Hurricane and Spitfire fighters and Lancaster bomber evoke the years of WWII, well supported by other warbird types such as the P-51D Mustang fighter and Boeing B25 bomber. The Royal Navy Historic Flight add lustre with their Fairey Swordfish, known affectionately by aircrew as the ‘Stringbag’, and the Seafire 17, a carrier –borne version of the Spitfire.

The post WWII years are well represented by the superbly preserved Gloster Meteor, Hawker Hunter and North American F86 Sabre.

Helicopters at the show include the Army’s awesome Apache, which makes a debut appearance. The AAC Blue Eagles, RN Black Cats and the Indian Air Force team The Sarangs are three top-flight helicopter teams who will each bring distinctive rotary wing routines to the daily display.

International visitors from Europe include the Breitling Team with a sensational new display in their 7-ship formation of L-39 Albatros jets. The team also features a brand new livery. (www.breitling-jet-team.com). They will be joined by the French air Force Mirage and F16 fighters of the Danish Air Force.

The dynamic Blades Team of four Extra 300 aircraft flown by former members of the RAF Red Arrows team, now in their 3rd year, is certain to impress with the 2008 display routine.

Air Fair 08 will mark the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, founded in 1918 as successor to the Royal Flying Corp. The RAF’s Role Demonstration in the form of a 30-minute scenario presents a convincing showing of 21st century air power. Impressive pyrotechnics will add to realism.

In the Motoring Village, a daily presentation of 100+ classic cars will be featured. Supercars such as Ferrari and Lamborghini will be on show, also Harley Davidson motor cycles.

Up-to-date news and information is available on the show website: www.airdisplaysint.co.uk

Gates are open on both weekend days at 08.30. Display flying commences at 11.30 up to 1730 daily.

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Issued by Air Displays International. Media contact is Simon Ames Tel : 07785 745857 or by e-mail : airfairpress@aol.com

RACING CHAMPIONS TO DISPLAY AS SPITFIRE AND MUSTANG DUO

Friday 23rd May 2008

NEWS RELEASE

ADI.11/08
23rd May 2008

Nigel Lamb and Paul Bonhomme are regulars on the Red Bull Air Race circuit, competing against each other for fastest lap times in the high profile international series as seen on television.

At the Biggin Hill International Air Fair (7th & 8th June) the two pilots from the Old Flying Machine Company (OFMC) based at Duxford combine their considerable skills with WWII warbirds to bring a special duo display flying a Spitfire Mk 9 and a P-51D Mustang. The display sequences are certain to be innovative while the opportunity to see this dynamic pair presenting these historic aircraft in display will be a special one.

The Spitfire Mk 9 (MH434) that Nigel brings to Biggin Hill is well known at the show, having been flown on many occasions by the late Ray Hanna whose skill in presenting this and other famous fighters from the WWII era was widely recognised as pre-eminent.

Nigel Lamb, who understudied Ray Hanna at OFMC, has been a display pilot since 1981, now having flown in more than 1500 major public air events in over 30 countries over the years. He has won the annual title British Aerobatic Championship title on eight occasions. Through the OFMC who specialise in providing aircraft of all types for the international film industry, Nigel has flown demanding flight profiles for blockbuster movies with a variety of aircraft over many years.

Paul Bonhomme comes form an aviation family in which his father was a military pilot, later an airline Captain. Following in his footsteps, Paul is a professional pilot, a Captain with British Airways currently flying the Boeing 747 on long-haul routes. When off-duty, Paul flies warbirds with OFMC and is a regular on the Red Bull European racing programme.

Pauls' aircraft, the North American P51-D Mustang is named 'Ferocious Frankie'.

"The OFMC display slot on Saturday and Sunday with the Spitfire and Mustang will delight all aficionados as well as members of the family." says organiser Colin Hitchins

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Pictures (and other information) available on website: www.airdisplaysint.co.uk.

Issued by Air Displays International. Media contact is Simon Ames
Tel: 07785 745857 or e-mail: airfairpress@aol.com

CALLING ALL UNITED FANS

Tuesday 20th May 2008

NEWS RELEASE

ADI.07/08
20th May 2008

The Barclays Premiership Trophy will be on show at this year’s Biggin Hill International Air Fair. Carrying the Red and Black ribbons of this years Premiership Champions, Manchester United the trophy will be exhibited on the Sunday of the show in the lost children’s marquee which is sponsored by Barclays Bank.

Fans can have their photograph taken with the trophy in exchange for a donation to Charles Darwin School PTA. Sue Wade, manager of Barclays Biggin Hill and a lifelong fan of Manchester United has been responsible for getting the trophy which is in much demand as it tours the country.

If you are visiting the show with children the Lost Children marquee will be handing out wrist bands to help reunite parents and children should they become separated.

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Issued by Air Displays International. Media contact is Simon Ames, Director of Communications. Tel: 07785 745857 or e-mail: airfairpress@aol.com

FULL RANGE OF RAF AIR POWER SEEN IN ‘ROLE DEMONSTRATION’

Monday 19th May 2008

NEWS RELEASE

ADI.10/08
19th May 2008

Launched in 2007 and now developed from a full season on the display circuit, the Royal Air Force 'Role Demonstration' provides an ingenious snapshot for public viewing of the key elements that make up the modern air power of the service. The demonstration forms a central part of the daily flying display at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair over the weekend of 7th & 8th June

Radar-based surveillance, air defence, battlefield transport and support and interdiction attacks are brought together within a time frame of 30 minutes with the help of a large amount of pre-planned resource. Spectators will se a fictitious but realistic scenario of the type of activity in which the Royal Air Force is engaged around the world on a day-to-day basis at the present time.

The scenario is based on a rescue mission. During offensive action somewhere in hostile territory, two UK servicemen become separated from their comrades and are captured by enemy forces. Extensive surveillance and intelligence shows that the two servicemen are being held in a camp in one corner of an active airfield. A rescue mission has been planned which begins with an attack. Battle is about to commence. Spectators will see it 'live and real' with the benefit of an informed PA commentary.

The 'Role Demo' sequences will includes the Boeing E3-D Sentry, Typhoons, Tornados and Hawks, also Chinook and Apache helicopters. Realism is augmented with extensive pyrotechnics.

Behind the scenes, it is the split-second timing that the respective aircrews bring to the event that marks the true professionalism of the modern Royal Air Force.

"It may be simulated - but it will be realistic, impressive and highly convincing" predicts organiser Colin Hitchins.

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Note: Pictures of RAF aircraft participating in the Role Demonstration are available on the Air Fair website - www.airdisplaysint.co.uk.

Issued by Air Displays International. Media contact is Simon Ames, Director of Communications. Tel: 07785 745857. E-mail: airfairpress@aol.com

SUPER-SPECTATING AT THE AIR FAIR

Monday 19th May 2008

NEWS RELEASE

ADI.09/08
19th May 2008

Spectators at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair (7th & 8th June) have a range of options for good viewing opportunities of the 5-hour daily flying display as a result of the optimised layout arrangements introduced for the show last year.

One beneficial option for those who are purchasing admission tickets is to upgrade to the elevated Grandstand Enclosure which is positioned on the pilot's 'show centre' to provide the very best view of the flying available. The enclosure is embraced within a private garden area with patio furniture, private toilet facilities, a cash snack bar and a reserved seat for a full day's entertainment. The cost of upgrading to the Grandstand Enclosure is £14 for advance purchase, £18 if bought on the day.

A higher level option is the Spitfire Club, a luxury enclosure on the flight line comprising a carpeted restaurant marquee with a private reception area and access to the exclusive open-air garden area for seated spectating of the flying programme.

The Spitfire Club package includes personalised admission passes, VIP hospitality car park passes, a comprehensive souvenir programme, morning coffee on arrival, a 3-course lunch and afternoon tea. Club facilities provide for groups from 2 up to 50 persons seated at tables of 10 in the restaurant. Price per person for the package is £152.75 including VAT.

Organiser Colin Hitchins says that the two 'Super-Spectator' options each provide at their respective levels the best that the Air Fair can provide.

"To ensure the best panoramic viewing with optimum line of sight, the Grandstand Enclosure on 'show centre' offers a privileged position for keen photographers and enthusiasts at an affordable price" he says.

"The Spitfire Club extends the comfort zone aspect with stylish hospitality in a relaxed environment for maximum enjoyment" says Colin Hitchins.

Contact for bookings is 01959 572277. For hospitality reservations, ask for the Spitfire Club.

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Issued by Air Displays International. Media contact is Simon Ames, Director of Communications. Tel: 07785 745857 or e-mail: airfairpress@aol.com

Biggin Hill Air Fair Welcomes Indian Air Force

Friday 09th May 2008

NEWS RELEASE

ADI.08/08
9th May 2008

Biggin Hill Air Fair Welcomes Indian Air Force

An elite helicopter display team - The Sarangs - from the Indian Air Force (IAF) has accepted an invitation from Air Displays International (ADI) to present their dynamic display routine at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair over the weekend of 7th & 8th June.

Flying their jet-powered Dhruv helicopters, the 4-ship formation will be making their UK debut at the show. Flown by officers of the IAF, The Sarangs are one of only three dedicated helicopter teams in the world and by joining the Royal Navy's Black Cats and the Army Air Corps Blue Eagles at Biggin Hill, the IAF bring a ‘full house' to the show.

The IAF team helicopters have a unique and distinctive paint scheme that features the Indian national bird, the Peacock. The display will also be a ‘first' for the Dhruv in the UK

Dhruv helicopters are manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Operated by a crew of two with space in the cabin for up to 12 additional personnel, the sturdy type is currently in service with the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Coastguard. It is capable of multi-tasking as a weapons delivery platform, for transport or in various utility roles.

Founded in October 1932, the embryo Indian Air Force was trained by Royal Air Force instructors and the first squadron operated the Westland Wapiti biplane. Over the years, many young Indians have been sent the RAF College at Cranwell (Lincs) for flying and officer training.

Colin Hitchins, ADI's Chief Executive, says that The Sarangs will be warmly received at Biggin Hill next month.

"Their presence at Biggin Hill will underscore and strengthen the traditional international flavour of the Air Fair, while their reputation as a dynamic display strongly precedes their first UK appearance" he says.

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See website www.airdisplaysint.co.uk for more information and pictures. Press Username and password required. Call 01959 572277 for access

Issued by Air Displays International. Media contact is Simon Ames, Director of Communications. Tel: 07785 745857 or e-mail: airfairpress@aol.com

Awesome Apache Attack

Wednesday 07th May 2008

NEWS RELEASE
ADI.07/08
6TH May 2008

AWESOME APACHE ATTACK HELICOPTER TO DEBUT AT AIR FAIR 08

An army helicopter making its debut appearance at Biggin Hill's International Air Fair (7th & 8th June) is the Westland Agusta AH Mk 1 Apache attack helicopter, currently in front line service with the Army Air Corps (AAC).

The multi-mission Apache is a revolutionary development in the history of warfare. It is capable of inflicting massive damage to an enemy, also designed to survive heavy attack. The aggressive-looking machine can carry a large armament load selectively chosen for individual missions.

Apache helicopters also carry sophisticated electronic warfare systems that are used for reconnaissance and information gathering by day or night. A forward-looking infra-red system (FLIR) with a magnification of 40 times detects enemy targets, concurrently identifying friendly forces. The helicopter's integrated defensive aids suite (HIDAS) is designed and built by BAE Systems.

Powered by two Rolls Royce RTM 322 turboshaft engines, the Apache has an awesome capability with air-to-air and air-to ground missiles, including the Hellfire laser guided system with warheads that can defeat all known armour. In the pods either side of the fuselage, up to 38 rocket projectiles can be loaded with selectively different warheads dependent on the type of mission. Firepower is supplemented with a 30-mm canon capable of firing 625 rounds per minute – that's 10 shells per second.

In a typical sortie, the Mission Commander occupies the front cockpit to operate the electronic sensors and weapons systems; the pilot is seated in the elevated rear cockpit.

Pilot of the display Apache is Major Chris Whipp (37), the Officer Commanding the Command & Tactics Wing at the AAC base at Middle Wallop (Hants). His operational career includes a tour in Afghanistan with a front line Apache squadron. A native of Surrey, his family lived in Banstead where he went to school. He has served in the Army for 15 years. As a schoolboy in the early 80's, Chris Whipp recalls visits to the Biggin Hill International Air Fair with his father and confirms that his early enthusiasm for military aviation was sparked by the military and civil air and ground displays.

"The Apache is a most effective helicopter in the attack role, supporting troops on the ground and saving lives. The sophisticated weapon systems allow us to engage enemy forces with proportionality" says Major Whipp.

The Apache will also feature in the RAF's ‘Role Demonstration' showing the integration of forces in the attack and support roles.

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Editorial notes:

  • The Apache AH Mk 1 is the UK version of the American Apache AH-64 designed and developed by McDonnell Douglas, now Boeing. The AH Mk 1 is built by Westland Agusta.
  • The UK's Army Air Corps has 67 AH Mk1 Apaches in service including training machines.
  • AAC Front line base is Wattisham airfield in Norfolk.

Issued by Air Displays International. Media contact is Simon Ames, Director of Communications. Tel: 07785 745857 or e-mail: airfairpress@aol.com

Battle of Britain Veteran and University Air Cadet

Friday 02nd May 2008

NEWS RELEASE

ADI.06/08
2nd May 2008

BATTLE OF BRITAIN VETERAN AND UNIVERSITY AIR CADET TO SHARE BREITLING TEAM EXPERIENCE AT BIGGIN HILL

Separated in age by 67 years, an 87-year old Battle of Britain veteran who served 35 years in the Royal Air Force and a 20-year old trainee pilot with the University of London Air Squadron (ULAS) will join the world renowned Breitling Team at Biggin Hill next month to share the experience of flying a special mission with the team during the run-up to the International Air Fair (7th & 8th June). Their respective reactions will be the subject of a media de-briefing.

Wing Commander Peter Ayerst DFC (born 4th November 1920) flew operationally with the Royal Air Force from the beginning to the end of WWII, initially in France in 1939 with 73 Squadron flying Hurricanes. He was one of the first pilots to engage in combat with a Messerschmitt Bf 109. After an operational posting to the deserts of North Africa, he went on to fly high altitude Spitfires on interception over France, later joining Vickers as a Test Pilot at Castle Bromwich at the invitation of Alex Henshaw. In the 1950's he commanded a Venom squadron in Germany.

Peter Ayerst, who lives in Beckenham (Kent), has written a book about his flying career entitled ‘Spirit of the Blue' that was published in 2004.

Officer Cadet Fenella Allery (born 21st April 1988) is an undergraduate reading Aviation Engineering at Brunel University for a Masters degree and concurrently learning to fly with ULAS as an Officer Cadet. She has a career plan to join the RAF as a Pilot upon completion of her studies.

As a member of ULAS, Fenella has already gained mountain leader qualifications. Last summer she was student Officer-in-Charge for the squadron's expedition to Norway to participate in hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking and white water rafting. She has 46 hours flying experience to date and plans to qualify for her Private Pilots Licence this year.

The pair will come together at Biggin Hill on Friday 6th June to meet the team on arrival from their French base, followed by briefings and preparation for their flights with selected team members in the L-39 Albatros jets of the 7-ship formation.

"Flying with the Breitling Team in their awesome jets will be an unbelievable experience" says Fenella whose training with ULAS has been on a small piston-engined aircraft.

"Meeting a Battle of Britain pilot - a legend of the air - will be a truly humbling encounter. I am really looking forward to meeting Peter Ayerst" she added.

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Issued by Air Displays International. Contact for further information is Simon Ames, Director of Communications - Tel 07785 745857 or by e-mail airfairpress@aol.com

Historic Naval Aircraft

Monday 21st April 2008

NEWS RELEASE

21st April 2008

Two historic naval aircraft maintained and operated by the Royal Naval Historic Flight at RNAS Yeovilton (Somerset) will be flying in the daily flying display at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair (7th & 8th June) and will be positioned in the static park for closer viewing and photography.

The Seafire 17, a development of the famous Spitfire to enable carrier-borne operations, was rescued from a scrap-yard and painstakingly restored to airworthy condition over a period of several years by Kennet Aviation. First flight of the rejuvenated aircraft was on 3rd May 2006, exactly sixty years to the day of her very first flight from the Westlands factory at Yeovil. The aircraft saw service with the Fleet Air Arm in the carrier Ocean during the late 1940's.

A total of 2570 Seafires were built. The Mk 17 was powered by a Rolls Royce Griffon engine of 1900 HP with a 4-bladed propeller.

The Fairey Swordfish Mk 2 is one of a small number of these outstanding aircraft still remaining that carry such a valiant history during WWII as a torpedo-carrying strike aircraft.

Known affectionately as the 'Stringbag' because its fabric, wood and wire construction, the massive biplane powered by a Bristol Pegasus 9-cylinder supercharged radial engine of 750 HP , was flown by Fleet Air Arm aircrews in several important naval engagements of the war years, notably the night strike by 21 torpedo-carrying Swordfish in November 1940 on the Italian fleet in Taranto harbour, an episode that became the blueprint for a similar strike by the Japanese navy on the US fleet in Pearl harbour.

The famous chase of the German battleship Bismarck in appalling weather conditions of the North Atlantic came to an end when a torpedo launched by a Swordfish crippled the steering gear of the huge warship and the Home Fleet were able to sink her with gunfire.

The aircraft has been refurbished in the colours of 836 Naval Air Squadron, a Mk 2 version with metal underwing coverings that enabled the use of rockets against U-boats. The open-cockpit Swordfish had a crew of three – Pilot, Observer (navigator) and Telegraphist / Air Gunner known as a TAG.

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See website www.royalnavyhistoricflight.org.uk for more information.

Pictures on ADI website: www.airdisplaysint.co.uk.

Issued on behalf of Air Displays International by Simon Ames, Director of Communications,
Contact: 07785 745857 or e-mail: airfairpress@aol.com

Air Fair Support For London Air Ambulance

Monday 14th April 2008

14th April 2008

NEWS RELEASE

This year's Biggin Hill International Air Fair and Biggin Hill Airport Ltd will be supporting the London Air Ambulance. The helicopter which operates from the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel responds to medical emergencies within the M25.

The helicopter operates 365 days a year during daylight hours and is replaced at night or during bad weather by a rapid response car. On average there are 3 to 6 helicopters and car missions a day and since 1989 almost 18,000 in total have been carried out.

The cost of this valuable service is only partially met by the NHS and the fund raising team have to raise £2m each year to keep the familiar red helicopter in the air. The Air Fair will be donating the entry fees from the classic car display and stand space will be made available for fund raising. Colin Hitchins, the event organiser said "It is hard to choose a charity to support with so many worthy causes asking for our help, but HEMS is there for the benefit of everyone when it is needed most, in life or death situations".

Andrew Walters, Chairman of BHAL has also announced his support. The helicopter which is a frequent visitor to Biggin Hill on refuelling stops will not incur any landing fees.

If you would like to support HEMS, donations can be made through their web site www.londonsairambulance.com.

Vickers Vimy

Monday 31st March 2008

NEWS RELEASE

ADI.03 / 08
31st March 2008

VICKERS VIMY WILL HEAD FOUR GENERATIONS OF BOMBERS SPANNING 90 YEARS

A full scale replica of a Vickers Vimy biplane bomber, the first multi-engined strategic bomber to serve with the RAF in 1918, will display on both weekend days of the International Air Fair at Biggin Hill (7th & 8th June) and be in the static park for close-range viewing and photography.

First flown at Brooklands in 1917, the original Vimy type saw service in the closing days of WWI but entered the history books in June 1919 when it successfully achieved the first non-stop crossing of the North Atlantic flown by Captain John Alcock (pilot) and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown (navigator). After the record-breaking flight of 16 hours, 27 minutes that finished unceremoniously in a peat bog in Ireland, Alcock famously quipped ‘Yesterday I was in America – and I am the first man in Europe to say that'. The flight was a triumph for Vickers who designed and built the aircraft and for Rolls Royce who provided the engines.

The replica, made of the same kind of fabric, wood and wires as the original, was constructed in the USA to Vickers design plans and already has a list of outstanding achievements to its name. Following the trail-blazing flights of original Vimys, it was flown in 1994 by American Mark Rebholz and Australian Lang Kidby from England to Australia. This was followed in 1999 with an England / South Africa flight and in July 2005, Rebholz with (the late) Steve Fossett re-created the Alcock & Brown achievement with a non-stop flight from Newfoundland to Ireland in 18 hours 19 minutes, landing on a golf course at Clifden, Co Galway close to the original peat bog.

At Biggin Hill, the Vimy will join with the Avro Lancaster, Avro Vulcan and the 21st century BAeS Eurofighter Typhoon to put on show for spectators four generations of strategic RAF bombers that span a period of 90 years. In 2008, the Royal Air Force celebrates the 90th anniversary of their inauguration.

The Vimy replica is now owned and operated by Brooklands Museum Trust, the historic home of the Vickers company. It will be flown in the daily display at Biggin Hill by Captain Jeremy Palmer, a Training Captain with British Airways.

The Vimy replica is powered by two 600 HP turbocharged 8-litre V-8 Orenda engines of Canadian design and manufacture.

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Vimy pictures are downloadable from www.airdisplaysint.co.uk
The picture gallery can be accessed with a username and password, please contact us for these details.

Issued by Air Displays International.
Media contact is Simon Ames, Director of Communications
Tel: 07785 745857 or by e-mail: airfairpress@aol.com

Air Show Youth Day

Friday 28th March 2008

28th March 2008

NEWS RELEASE

The organisers of this year's Biggin Hill International Air Fair are opening the doors early this year to enable schools and colleges to meet the careers teams and emergency services. Organised groups will be given free access to the show site between 11am and 2pm on Friday 6th June. As well as meeting the RAF, Navy, and Army careers information teams they will be able to meet some of the crews serving with the RAF’s frontline squadrons.

Colin Hitchins, organiser of the show, said "This is a unique opportunity for young people to meet members of the armed forces who are performing their operational role on a day to day basis, and to receive some safety advice from the emergency services which could be of benefit to them in the future.".

They will also have the opportunity to have a go in the simulators, see road traffic accident demonstrations by the Police, London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service and of course see the arriving display aircraft.

The event is open to schools and colleges with groups aged between 14 and 18. Those wishing to attend should contact the air show organisers on 01959 572277.

Issued by Air Displays International at Biggin Hill Airport
For more information, see website: www.airdisplaysint.co.uk

TOP FLIGHT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AT AIR FAIR 08

Tuesday 18th March 2008

ADI.02/08
18th March 2008

NEWS RELEASE

Tickets now on sale with early-bird discounts.

The 2008 International Air Fair at Biggin Hill is shaping up to provide top flight, spectacular entertainment for all the family over both days of the weekend of 7th & 8th June.

A high profile theme will be a celebration of the 90th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force, bringing a galaxy of famous aircraft from the full life span, notably the mighty Avro Vulcan V-bomber from the years of the Cold War.

The Air Fair carries the key Priority One status that brings an extensive military presence with a series of exhilarating set-piece displays backed up by comprehensive ground support aimed at informing the public and recruiting young men and women for careers in the flying services.

The Breitling Jet team make a welcome return this year, now as a 7-ship formation flying the L-39 Albatros jet trainer. Their dynamic routines traditionally bring a massive 'wow' factor for air show audiences.

Another welcome return after a 5-year rebuild is the Fairey Swordfish from the Royal Navy's Historic Flight. The vintage biplane, known affectionately as the 'Stringbag' to wartime Fleet Air Arm aircrew who flew the type, features an underslung torpedo marking its successful wartime carrier-borne role, notably the night attack at Taranto on the Italian fleet in November 1940.

A display by a Hawker Hunter will evoke the history of RAF Biggin Hill in the years following WWII. The first of the supersonic fighters in squadron service in the early 1950's, the Hunter was the last operational aircraft to serve at Biggin Hill before closure as an RAF station in 1957.

The modern Royal Air Force will present their Role Demonstration that embraces training, airborne early warning, transport, helicopters and the key strike role in a series of display modules. The finale is a dramatic airfield attack, with impressive pyrotechnics adding a dimension of realism.

In the ground exhibition, the Motoring Village will feature the latest Porsche, Toyota. Lexus, Vauxhall cars. Supercars will show their Ferrari and Lamborghini. Motor cycling interests are covered by Harley Davidson.

A parade of up to 100 classic cars will be a special daily feature in the motoring arena. A military village will extend into service history. Simulator rides and a full funfair offer supporting entertainment. Food and refreshment arcades will offer plenty of choice.

The Air Fair Booking Office is now open for sales. Worthwhile discounts for early purchase are on offer:

STANDARD ENTRANCE TICKETS

Type of Ticket Advanced Price Price At Gate
Adult (Aged 16+) £17.00 £21.00
Child (Aged 6-15) £5.00 £7.00
Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) £36.00 £45.00

Children of 5 and under are FREE. Car parking is FREE.

GROUP BOOKINGS

For 15 people or more – minimum order value £100. Available only when booked in advance and for groups travelling in a mini-bus or coach.

Group ticket (per person):
Adult - £9.50
Child - £4.00

GRANDSTAND ENCLOSURE

With private garden, patio furniture, private toilets, cash snack bar, reserved seat for the day and uninterrupted view of flying display. An entrance ticket must also be purchased.

Advance price: £14.00
On the day £18.00

How to book:

Issued by Simon Ames, Director of Communications, Air Displays International
Media enquiries: 01293 862500 or 07785 745857

VULCAN B2 V-BOMBER BOOKED FOR AIR FAIR 2008

Friday 25th January 2008

ADI.01/08
25th January 2008

NEWS RELEASE

The Avro Vulcan B2 V-bomber, airworthy again after 10 years of detailed restoration work at a cost in excess of £6M, has been booked to fly at the London Biggin Hill International Air Fair, 7th & 8th June this year. Subject to final tests in the spring, it is planned that the massive aircraft, not seen for 15 years, will be well positioned for visitors and photographers in the static display and to fly in the air display on both weekend days.

Designed and built by AVRO, the striking delta-winged bomber, designated XH558, is the last its kind to serve in the Royal Air Force. A total of 136 Vulcans were built, including two prototypes, and the aircraft was in service with the RAF in various roles for 30 years.

XH558 has been preserved thanks to an ever growing list of generous sponsors and a team of dedicated engineers within the charity 'Vulcan to the Sky Trust' organisation led by Dr Robert Pleming. The Heritage Lottery Fund has contributed £2.7M to support the enterprise and more than 25,000 people worldwide have contributed towards the substantial cost of restoration and preservation.

Based at Bruntingthorpe airfield in Leicestershire, the first flight since the aircraft was de-commissioned in 1993 took place in October last year in the hands of former Vulcan pilots and was reported to be 100% satisfactory.

The Vulcan's display at Biggin Hill is expected to evoke the years of the Cold War with the inclusion of a low-level airfield attack. The B2 version of the Vulcan specialised in the low-level role.

Colin Hitchins, CEO of organisers Air Displays International, says that the sight and sound of the famous V-bomber at Biggin Hill will be a highlight of the 2008 show.

"The successful restoration of XH558 to airworthy condition was an ambitious undertaking by a dedicated group which is turning out to be a huge success for preservation. A whole new generation will benefit by seeing this massive aircraft perform in the air, while its debut presence at Biggin Hill will astound our visitors by its size and breathtaking performance" says Colin.

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Issued by Air Displays International at Biggin Hill Airport
Media enquiries to Simon Ames, Director of Communications – Tel 07785 745857
For more information, see website: www.airdisplaysint.co.uk
See also Vulcan website: www.vulcantothesky.com

Editorial Notes.

  • The AVRO Vulcan was designed by Roy Chadwick who also designed the famous Lancaster and the later Lincoln 4-engined bombers of 1940's era.
  • AVRO Vulcan XH558 was the first Vulcan B2 to enter service with the Royal Air Force in July 1960 and the last to fly before retirement in 1992 when it was operated by the Vulcan Display Flight. Its last public appearance in that year was at the Cranfield Air Show, organised by Air Displays International.
  • The Vulcan was the only V-bomber to undertake operational bombing sorties. These were during the Falklands campaign in 1982 when squadron aircraft performed five missions, a round trip flight of 7,700 miles.
  • The Vulcan is powered by four Rolls-Royce Olympus engines.
  • During RAF service life, Vulcan aircraft were operated by 617 'Dambuster' Squadron who will be celebrating their 65th birthday in 2008.
  • Vulcan to the Sky Trust – PR contact Paul Muckle 07715 476777

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