The Hampshire Air Festival is pleased to announce Babcock International Group (Babcock) as the key sponsor for its inaugural airshow, taking place at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12–13 September.
As a major supporter of UK aerospace and defence, Babcock brings a strong operational and training heritage to the event.
The company partners with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA), providing highly skilled pilots and in-house engineering, enabling the charity to deliver lifesaving critical care across the region. HIOWAA was based at Thruxton until its recent move to a new purpose-built home at Southampton Airport, with the charity returning to its former home as part of the airshow’s ground display.
It also supports the Royal Air Force (RAF) to deliver elementary flying training in the county through a fleet of Grob 115E ‘Tutor’ aircraft that it owns, manages and maintains, and will support the RAF Tutor Display Team that will be taking part in the airshow on both days.
Tom Morton, Managing Director for Babcock’s Aviation business, said: “The Hampshire Air Festival is an exciting addition to the region’s aviation calendar, inspiring future pilots, engineers and support crews while bringing together the local community and aviation enthusiasts. We’re proud to support the inaugural event and showcase the vital role we play in the region, from air ambulance support to flight training.”
Babcock personnel will be on-hand to engage with families and young people with aviation-themed and STEM-related activities as well as to highlight its critical role supporting the RAF, emergency services and wider aviation customers.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Babcock as a key sponsor for the first Hampshire Air Festival,” said Jonathan Moore, CEO of Montserrat Events, organisers of the Hampshire Air Festival. “The event honours the past while inspiring the next generation with our ‘Age of Flight’ theme. Babcock’s aviation work and contribution to the local community makes them a perfect partner for what we’re building.”
The Hampshire Air Festival is a family-focused event with a full flying programme which includes further support from the RAF with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota and Spitfires, plus a rare MiG 17 from Poland, and a Saturday evening extravaganza featuring pyro-aerobatic aircraft, a drone show and firework display. The event will also feature hands on activities for children, 1940’s re-enactors and vehicles, fun exhibits and trade stands and community partners from the aviation sector.
The Hampshire Air Festival takes place at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12–13 September. Tickets can be purchased at: www.hampshireairfestival.co.uk
