A 'spectacular display of wartime aviation' will soar through Guernsey's skies this May.
Several Second World War aircraft have agreed to grace Guernsey's skies on 9 May, when islanders will be celebrating 80 years of Liberation.
The lineup includes the last Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain that is still capable of flight, a Harvard that was built in 1942, a P8 Poseidon from Guernsey's Own 201 Squadron, an AIRBUS A400M Atlas and a Spitfire - arguably the most famous British fighter aircraft.
They will be joined by the last remaining ‘Ready for Duty’ (R4D), a US Navy aircraft, which is travelling 12,000 miles from Dallas-Texas to honour the service and sacrifice of American and Allied forces.
Aurigny’s Joey and the Channel Islands Air Search aircraft will join the fleet for a standing display on Guernsey Airport's East Apron the day before (8 May), from 3.30pm till 6.30pm.
Organisers of the St Pierre du Bois parish event have arranged for the RAF Falcons to carry out a parachute drop at L’Eree.
The display team will perform at 3.30pm on Liberation Day.
Anne Thomas met two of the Falcons team during a recent recce of the site.
“We considered two landing locations; the beach is the preference with the aerodrome as back up, both of which will work well for them as well those spectating.
"We’re very hopeful that conditions will allow a beach landing with such an amazing backdrop but will assess the conditions with the team on the day.
"Either way, we’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to provide such an exciting and visual display for our community in a beautiful location and they will be a fantastic addition to our already packed day.”
LIBERATION DAY FLYPASTS TIMINGS
Friday 9 May
11.35am P8A Poseidon flypast along the east coast
11.45am A400M flypast along the east coast
2.15 - 2.30pm Hurricane and Harvard will complete two laps of the island
2.35 - 2.45pm R4D C47 will complete two laps of the island
Approx 7.00pm Spirfire MK9 flypast along the east coast (exact timing to be confirmed)
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