All eyes on the sky at annual airshow
Flying displays included acts by the Silver Falcons, Team 82 that flew at the recent presidential inauguration, the showstopper South African Air Force (SAAF) Gripen fighter jet and a SAAF Oryx helicopter.
With more than 12 500 spectators in attendance, the ninth annual Newcastle Airshow took place on June 1 at the Newcastle Airport.
More than 80 exhibitors ensured the patrons’ taste buds were satisfied as they indulged in the abundance of food products on sale.
Action for the whole family was catered for, as a funfair and toy vendors soon caught the attention of young eyes.
The popular Munro Art Exhibition, as well as the KZN Tourism 360-degree Virtual Stand kept the audience entertained and educated.
Flying displays included acts by the Silver Falcons, Team 82 that flew at the recent presidential inauguration, the showstopper South African Air Force (SAAF) Gripen fighter jet and a SAAF Oryx helicopter.
To add to the exhilarating action-packed day, daytime fireworks, parachutists, an extreme bike show and the SA Motor Sport Drag Car versus aircraft race, kept spectators enthralled.
The day also played host to over 1 000 Grade 11 learners who attended the educational expo, which included guest speakers from the SAAF, by the deputy chief of the South African Air Force, and talks by the first two black female SAAF pilots, members from the SANDF and the SACAA.
An event of this magnitude was courtesy of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs of KwaZulu-Natal, KZN Tourism and the event organisers, Champ Group of Companies led by Johan Pieters and Christo van der Vyver.
“2020 will be a big year for the Newcastle Airshow as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, as we plan on hosting a three-day airshow with artist performances as well as plenty of other activities, so watch this space,” concluded Pieters.
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