Air Shows
Media Release
15 February 2012
International Edge to Air Force's Ohakea Air Show
Major international Air Forces including the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia; Republic of Singapore Air Force; Royal Air Force; Royal Australian Air Force; United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps will join the Royal New Zealand Air Force to showcase superb flying and ground displays at Ohakea.
“They will be here to help celebrate the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 75th birthday at a spectacular Air Show at Ohakea Air Base on Saturday 31 March,” said Air Commodore Steve Moore.
The Royal Australian Air Force F-18s will provide some spectacular fighter jet flying displays, rarely seen in this country. They will also display a C-130J Hercules and a Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.
The United States Air Force will bring a C-17 Globemaster. The Republic of Singapore Air Force will display one of their C-130 and the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia will showcase their CASA 235 twin-engine transport aircraft. In addition the US Marine Corps will have on display a KC-130 Hercules air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The Royal Air Force has confirmed their involvement but not yet the aircraft type that will take part.
The RNZAF military aircraft of the past, present and future will also be on show to the public for the first time since 2009 as well as a stunning range of civilian and vintage aircraft, including Spitfires and a Mustang, to mark 75 years of the RNZAF.
“The RNZAF will showcase its new A109 and NH90 helicopters, the upgraded C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orions, and our other military aircraft. The Red Checkers will also demonstrate their aerial expertise.”
“It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s birthday,” said Air Commodore Steve Moore.
There will be something for everyone from flying displays, ground displays, the RNZAF’s newest aircraft and training devices and entertainment.
75th Anniversary
April 2012 marks 75 years of service to New Zealand for the Air Force as an independent armed service.
While the Air Force becomes a modern 21st century Air Force with the introduction of new and upgraded aircraft fleets, 75 years provides the milestone for New Zealand to celebrate the RNZAF’s proud heritage and culture and showcase the work our Air Force has done and the role our airmen and women play in this country and the region.
Just as it has met the challenges of the past 75 years, New Zealand’s Air Force today is well equipped to meet the challenges of the coming decades.
For media enquires contact: Catherine O’Donnell on 021 487980.
For further information visit www.airforce.mil.nz
To buy tickets go to www.eventfinder.co.nz and search Air Force Air Show
PHOTO CAPTION: A Royal Australian Air Force F-18 which will be taking part in the Ohakea Air Show.
Ohakea Air Show 2012
Be prepared to be amazed on Saturday 31 March 2012 as international air forces come together at RNZAF Base Ohakea (near Palmerston North) to help the RNZAF celebrate its 75th birthday at a spectacular air show.
The RNZAF’s full complement of military aircraft will be on show to the public for the first time since 2009. It promises to be a fun-filled day of military might.
There will be something for everyone from aircraft displays, spectacular Red Checkers aerobatic flying and the RNZAF’s newest aircraft and training devices. Local businesses will sell food and drink and there will be a kids’ entertainment area.
Cash out on the day will be provided through a mobile EFTPOS cash-out facility and FM radio commentary will be broadcast live, so bring your radio.
RNZAF aircraft displays will include:
Red Checkers
Historic Flight Tiger Moth, Harvard and Sioux
C -130 Hercules
Boeing 757
P3K Orion
UH1H Iroquois
A109 LUH
SH2G Seasprite
B200 King Air
Kiwi Blue Parachute Team
Civilian aircraft displays will include:
Dakota
Catalina
Auster
Devon
Kittyhawk
Spitfire
Visit www.eventfinder.co.nz and search ‘Air Force Air Show’ to purchase tickets.
For more information about all the events and activities to celebrate RNZAF’s birthday visit www.airforce.mil.nz
