Blackpool Airport buzzing as base for airshow display teams

Blackpool Airport proved that it was very much open for business at the weekend when 28 aircraft used it as their base for a nearby air show.
The Spitfire Pair at Blackpool AirportThe Spitfire Pair at Blackpool Airport
The Spitfire Pair at Blackpool Airport

The RAF’s Red Arrows team was in town over the weekend along with classic aircraft such as Spitfires, Vampires and the North American P51 Mustang and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster Hurricane and Spitfire which were all taking part in the flying displays over Southport.

Blackpool’s Hangar 3 played host to the pilots arranging hotels for those staying on for the three days of the show. Simon Menzies, director at Hangar 3 said: “We were absolutely thrilled again to have invited and to have hosted the aircraft that showcased in this weekend’s Southport Air Show.

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“It was another fantastic coup for the team here that the display teams have chosen to use us and Blackpool as their base for the 10th year running.

The Red Arrows who are due to return on August 11th and 12th for the Blackpool AirshowThe Red Arrows who are due to return on August 11th and 12th for the Blackpool Airshow
The Red Arrows who are due to return on August 11th and 12th for the Blackpool Airshow

“The Red Arrows are probably one of the best, most established air display teams in the world and expect a standard of excellence from all their support teams, which is exceeded by the service provided here.”

He said Blackpool Airport was ideal and offered a service specific to the Red Arrows’ needs, with secure and state-of-the-art flight briefing areas, links to all the meteorological services and strong IT support with evaluation and assessment areas for de-briefing and flight planning.

He added: “The Red Arrows like Blackpool for its efficiency, ease of access and friendly environment and it works beautifully, especially since the public can come down and see them in action from the boundary fencing.”

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Hangar 3 and the Airport arranged overnight accommodation at various hotels in the town including Hampton by Hilton and Blackpool Football Club hotel.

The airport is set to be busy again on August 11 and 12 for the Blackpool Airshow featuring the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Flight and a Typhoon display.