Spectacular Lowveld Air Show flies high for its 30th year
Celebrating its 30th birthday in 2024, the Lowveld Air Show soared when it was held at the Nelspruit Airport on Saturday May 11 with a great show that was admired by more than 5 500 people.

The Lowveld Air Show celebrated its 30th birthday on Saturday May 11 with an extravaganza that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
“You don’t have to go halfway around the world to get quality. What you see here is on standard with what you would get internationally.” This is the promise made by Johan Heine, the chairperson of the Lowveld Air Show Committee, preceding the event. He classified the air show as unique, not only in South Africa, but when compared to those around the world, too.

Heine estimated the flying value of the three-hour show at roughly R1m. But there was more to the show than the aircraft and their performances. Attendees were treated to confectionery and stalls of every kind, including displays of model aircraft. There was something to tickle everyone’s fancy.
This transcended into the programme for the day, too. It started off with a display of model aircraft as early as 13:00, followed by the Augusta A109 chopper. The official opening only came at 15:00, though, starting with the mass formation fly-past of all the aircraft participating in the show.
The various displays were a real treat for the spectators, who had an up-close-and-personal view of the aircraft, which is done in few other shows around the country. One of the highlights of the afternoon was the Kishugu and Working on Fire firefighting displays, which were followed by stunning colour bombs and a colour smoke wall.

Soon after, it was the traditional fly-by by Airlink, but they treated the Lowveld Air Show as they came past in an Embraer E195. It was only added to their fleet in mid-2023 and sports a stylish jet-black livery. This was followed by the twilight show and display, which included a brilliant Tora Tora show that was wrapped up by breathtaking pyrotechnics that blew everyone away.

According to the organisers, more than 5 500 people attended the show on Saturday. “I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible teamwork and dedication that was displayed in organising and executing yet another amazing air show,” Heine said. “Working together as a cohesive team, we were able to deliver a safe and entertaining event that wowed the people of the Lowveld. I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such talented and professional individuals.”