Aviation giants join Battle of Britain commemoration.
Two giants of the aviation world will be among the special guests displaying at this year’s Battle of Britain Air Show, at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire.
The event, on September 18th and 19th, will this year commemorate the 70th anniversary of the world famous fight for aerial supremacy above UK shores.
But, along with classic aircraft from the period, including the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster, will be an appearance by the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the A380 Airbus, and the RAF’s new transport aircraft, the A400M.
Most air shows don’t include passenger aircraft of the A380’s type, but the 300-tonne double-decker Airbus, which can carry 525 people, will grace the skies above the Cotswolds during the show.
The A400M, which will ultimately replace the Lockheed C-130 Hercules series, is another coup for the show.
Event organiser Glen Moreman said: “The theme of the show will be largely centred on the aircraft of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as well as aircraft from other periods.
“However, to secure the A380 and the A400M for this show is a real coup, as it is pretty unusual for aircraft of that size to display at such events and we must say a huge thanks to Airbus for allowing them to visit us.
“It will be great to see the A400M, which is the future shape of military transport, so there will be a nice contrast of old and new.
“Once again, we aim to make the Battle of Britain Air Show a welcoming, relaxed, family-orientated event and there will be plenty to see and do, the Airbus displays will be the icing on the cake.”
The 2009 Battle of Britain Air Show was the first time the event had been staged over two days and this successful format is being continued due to the great response received.
Other aircraft due to appear include a Tiger Moth display team, a Hawker Hunter T7, a Jet Provost T3, Antonov AN2 (the world’s biggest single-engined bi-plane) and a Douglas DC3 wartime transport aircraft that most probably flew from Kemble during 1944.
In addition, there will be trade stands, vintage vehicles, re-enactment exhibitions and military vehicles.
Tickets for the event are priced at £10 in advance and £15 on the day, with children 16 and under admitted free.
They are available on line through the air show website (www.battleofbritainweekend.com) and also from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester and Tewkesbury.
You can also use the ticket sales hotline by phoning SEE Tickets on 08712 301 079.
EDITORS’ NOTE (not for publication): For more information, please call Cotswold Airport Press and PR officer Paul Bull (Corinium Media - www.coriniummedia.com ) on 07728 552215.