Red Arrows to return to Newcastle

Red Arrows to return to Newcastle

21 May 2014

THE Red Arrows are returning to Newcastle this summer.

The spectacular world famous RAF display team is once again the headline act at this summer’s B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight in the resort on August 9.

The Red Arrows will be making their fourth appearance in the skies above the resort with the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay providing stunning backs.

Tens of thousands of people have watched the stunning aerobatics of the Red Arrows in previous years and Festival of Flight organisers are expecting another record crowd in Newcastle this summer.

The Midair Squadron’s Canberra PR9 will also be delighting spectators with an appearance at this summer’s eagerly anticipated festival, with the aircraft flanked by two Hunter T7s.

The Canberra XH134 — which is the world’s only airworthy Canberra PR9 — is one of only 23 of these aircraft manufactured by Short Brothers and Harland Ltd. 

in Belfast between 1958 and 1962. The Canberra is believed to be the longest serving aircraft in RAF history and was only retired from active operation in July 2006.

Enroute to Newcastle, The Midair Squadron will overfly the Ulster Aviation Society’s site at Long Kesh where the Canberra’s sister aircraft, the XH131, is part of the collection.

Following the Canberra’s retirement, the XH131 was donated to the Ulster Aviation Society by Midair Squadron owner, Mike Davis, and was transported by road to the Society’s base in 2010 as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund support project to conserve and explore the heritage of the aircraft.

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Flt. Lt. Mike Leckey, Midair Squadron’s Chief Pilot, will be at the controls of XH134, which will be flanked by both Squadron Hunters. Educated in Belfast, Mike joined the Royal Air Force in 1988 and has flown over 2,700 hours on the Canberra during his time in the military.

“To fly the Canberra over home crowds will be a fitting tribute and testament to the Midair Squadron and the team behind this historic and unique aircraft team,” he continued.

“The Canberra is an exceptional aircraft, combining both power and beauty. We are thrilled to be joining the line up at the Newcastle B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight.”

Jeff Salter, B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight organiser, said it was the Canberra B5 prototype which held — and indeed may still hold — the Atlantic crossing record from Aldergrove to Gander and back in 10 hours and three minutes, with the record achieved in 1952.

He added: “We’re delighted to welcome the Midair Squadron to Northern Ireland and are particularly excited to witness the spectacular sight and sound of the Canberra PR9 and her sister Hunters and hear their famous howls.”