What do a yak, an impala and a chipmunk have in common? These aircraft will all be taking to the skies at the Pietermaritzburg Airport for the next airshow in the KZN Winter Air Tour, after having already wowed audiences in previous shows.
Photo: The Yak attack makes its way from Virginia Airport to Pietermaritzburg.
While Tour organizers have no preferences, the Pietermaritzburg Airshow this year will almost certainly serve as the flagship performance due to its close proximity to Durban. Every year, thousands of people from around Durban and SA flock to the much loved Durban Airshow, and while some fear that this year it will be amiss, do not despair because Pietermaritzburg will more than make up for what is missing as organisers are pulling out all the stops to make this weekend’s show spectacular.
The line-up includes: SA Aerobatic Champion, Nigel Hopkins; a Yak formation led by Brendan Adams; SA Express flying down their Q400 and SA Airlink their RJ85; and the SA Airforce, including fast jet planes, exciting aerobatics and everything from a gyrocopter to a Mustang Sally. World-class performances will be on show throughout the day, so be sure not to miss out on this event!
The Msunduzi Municipality welcomes everyone to the recently upgraded airport and are eager to showcase what they have on offer. The community at large is preparing for the day, and small businesses and exhibitors are ready to display their wares. During the day there will be access to a number of vendors who will be selling food and fancies.
Before the Airshow begins, organisers will host a development programme for around 500 scholars to increase awareness of aviation and the opportunities in the industry. A selection will be offered the opportunity to fly for the first time.
“We are proud to be in partnership with the KZN Winter Air Tour,” said Federal Airlines, who together with the KZN Winter Air Tour provide an opportunity for individuals to develop and experience a taste of the world of aviation.
Gates open for the Airshow on Saturday 7 June at 9am, and the show begins at around 10am when the opening parade will include all our local heroes from emergency services and their trucks, cars and flashing lights – certainly to be enjoyed by the kids. At lunch between 12 and 1pm audiences will get to walk around the aircraft, meet the pilots and get that all-important selfie next to a jet plane. The show will wrap up at around 3:30pm.
For more information visit www.kznwinterairtour.co.za.