The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows will be back flying above Eastbourne’s skies this summer following the announcement of their 2016 flying programme!

Their appearance at Airbourne, Eastbourne’s international airshow, voted as the UK’s best free airshow in the 2015 Airscene Awards, will see them joined by Royal Air Force displays from the Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the King Air, all of which promise to provide show-stopping displays in Eastbourne, when Airbourne returns from 11-14 August 2016.

Excitement for this year’s Airbourne mounts after this initial release of RAF displays, which confirms that the Red Arrows will fly on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August. Airbourne organisers eagerly await the news of more aircraft which will display at the airshow, including helicopters, further military aircraft, civilian and commercial display teams.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “We are delighted to hear that airshow favourites, the Red Arrows have chosen to return to Airbourne for two great displays this year, which will no doubt attract many thousands of spectators, and along with the news that some other amazing military aircraft have been confirmed, our award-winning airshow is off to a high flying start! We can’t wait to confirm many more dazzling display teams and stunning jets in what will be another extensive flying programme.”

This year’s flying programme will see the roaring RAF Typhoon soaring above Eastbourne’s beach as it takes the skies on three days of Airbourne; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when the 29 squadron showcases the aircraft’s incredible speed and performance ability.

Airshow visitors will also have the chance to see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on all four days, in a year which marks the 80th anniversary of the Spitfire and the 75th year of the Lancaster Bomber. The King Air a multi-engine pilot trainer which is part of No. 3 Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell, will fly on Saturday and Sunday.

Airbourne is awaiting news from VisitEngland to hear whether it has achieved Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended status in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, after it was announced as a winner in the ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ category by the national tourism board last month; the results will be announced at an awards ceremony in Blackpool on 8 March during English Tourism Week.

The news came less than two months after Airbourne was awarded Gold in the category of ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ at the Beautiful South Awards, organised by Tourism South East.

To treat friends or family to a special occasion or entertain business clients, the Aviator Club hospitality packages are available at Eastbourne’s Western Lawns providing visitors with high-end catering and a chance to mingle with the pilots, as well as uninterrupted views of the display line. Exclusive air show seating at Eastbourne’s iconic Bandstand is also available to book now.

To book hospitality packages and exclusive seating and to find out about trade space, advertising and sponsorship opportunities at Airbourne, and keep up to date with flying display news, go to www.eastbourneairshow.com.

Tags: 2016, Eastbourne Airbourne Airshow, February, News