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- Daily Record
Two new aircrafts to appear at International Ayr Show this year
The two air forces will be appearing this September.
Both the French Air and Space Force and Belgian Air Force are set to appear at the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight this September.
Organisers are "excited" to confirm the French aerobatic team known as Équipe de Voltige de l'Armée de l'Air (EVAA) as the first of the international aerial displays for the airshow, and a new display for 2025.
The breath-taking aerobatic display will showcase the talent of this team of highly qualified elite military pilots, including the current word aerobatic champion.
The EVAA operate the Extra EA-330SC high performance aircraft capable of complex aerial manoeuvres. The two aircraft joining the airshow in Ayr will be flown by world class pilots, affectionately known as 'Souche' and 'Brice', who will deliver a two-ship display program featuring their own thrilling individual sections.
This year, for the first time, there will be a static display of the Belgian Air Force Augusta 109BA Hirundo on Ayr's Low Green, allowing festival goers an up-close look at this impressive helicopter.
The Augusta has been used in roles such as armed reconnaissance, observation, tactical support, medical evacuation and for anti-tank missions.
As part of this unique attraction, the public will be able to meet the crew to learn about what they do and find out more about the aircraft.
Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Brian Connolly said: "It's fantastic to be able to announce two new aircraft for this year's airshow – and two international acts at that! The crowds are sure to be thoroughly impressed by the highly technical display put on by the expert pilots from the French aerobatic team, and I'm certainly looking forward to it."
Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "Excitement is building for the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight, so it's wonderful to be able to announce that two brand new aircraft are on the bill this year. I'm sure locals and visitors alike will be flocking to the Low Green to catch a glimpse of the Augusta up close and meet the crew!"
CEO of The Skylab, Geoff Coxon, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have the Belgian Air Force attend our airshow. We are aware that as a seaside display, we do not have the ability to get aircraft on the ground so the public can get access to the aircraft as other airshows are able to do. And as the airport is too far away to have a static event whilst the airshow is happening, we decided to almost bring the airport to Low Green so everyone will be able meet and chat to the Augusta helicopter crew.
"It is a privilege, and honour, to have the French Air & Space Force join us this year, and we are one of only two displays that EVAA will attend in the UK in 2025. It illustrates how our airshow is now regarded as one of the best In the UK where international teams want to come and display."
The event will take place on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6 at Ayr's shorefront - with activities and attractions throughout the Low Green.
