Festival of Flight 2018 marks RAF centenary year
London – 9 July 2018: London Biggin Hill Airport’s Festival of Flight 2018 celebrates 100 years of the RAF with a salute to ‘The Few’, and many historic aircraft are set to take to the skies over the weekend of the 18th and 19th August.
Stirring displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight promise to make it an unforgettable weekend for aviation enthusiasts, particularly as the 18th marks the anniversary of what became known as ‘The Hardest Day’. Aircraft include the only flying example of the Bristol Blenheim, and 12 Spitfires and Hurricanes against their Second World War adversary the Luftwaffe’s ME109. Fighters aside, the most successful RAF heavy bomber the Avro Lancaster will also be flying high on both Saturday and Sunday.
As testament to the enduring strength of the RAF, the modern-day RAF Chinook helicopter will make an appearance on Saturday, while the nation’s favourite Red Arrows will return this year for another iconic performance on both show days.
Colin Hitchins, Festival of Flight director London Biggin Hill Airport, says: “It is fitting that this year’s Festival of Flight should celebrate RAF100, as we open the festival on the anniversary of ‘The Hardest Day’ during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Biggin Hill played a decisive role as an RAF fighter station during the Second World War, earning the nickname of Churchill’s ‘Strongest Link’, so we are pleased to be leading the charge once again in commemorating the long history of the Royal Air Force.
“There are few sights or sounds that give rise to the same powerful emotions as those of the Supermarine Spitfire and the roaring Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, and we look forward to seeing and hearing them scramble during this year’s event.”
While 2018’s show will commemorate the RAF’s centenary year, the team at London Biggin Hill will also be launching the next 100 years of aviation by inspiring local youth to pursue careers in the industry. Its proposal to create the London Aerospace & Technology College will be showcased on-site during the Festival of Flight.
Early bird tickets are still available at a discounted price until 5th August. Tickets must be purchased online and booked in advance. Free entry for children under 16 when accompanied by an adult. Visit www.lbhacommunity.co.uk for more information.
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About London Biggin Hill Airport
London Biggin Hill Airport is located 12 miles from central London and offers award-winning VIP handling, a choice of FBOs, extensive hangarage, support and maintenance services for all ranges of business jets.
A designated UK Port of Entry, Biggin Hill is free of runway slot constraints. An exclusive six-minute helicopter transfer service to and from the heart of London makes it the fastest transfer of any London airport.
Biggin Hill is the only dedicated business aviation airport within the capital and is already home to over 65 commercial and aviation activities.
There are very few places in the world other than Biggin Hill where aircraft operators and support companies can conduct all aspects of their business operations, management and maintenance at the heart of a global city and with the confidence in their ability to expand and develop over time.
