Blackpool Airport Supports Southport Airshow This Weekend 6 July 2018 by Visit Blackpool It’s full throttle at Blackpool Airport this weekend as it plays host to the aircraft performing their spectacular displays in the Southport Air Show. Simon Menzies, Director of Hangar Three Blackpool Ltd said, “We are absolutely thrilled again to have invited and be hosting the aircraft that will showcase in this weekend’s Southport Air Show. It is 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. It’s going to be a really busy and very exciting weekend for all the staff, as we make sure all the aircraft are supported and assisted as required, the crews are all fed and cared for and the programme runs according to the careful schedule of the owners. “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 at Hangar 3 Blackpool Airport. Blackpool Airport and Hangar 3 together offer integrity and a high value of service specific to their needs, along with discreet, secure and state-of-the-art secure flight briefing areas, with links to all the meteorological services and strong IT support with evaluation and assessment areas for de-briefing and flight planning. 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.” The Red Arrows will fly in tonight at 16:36 to kick off the Southport Air Show Friday Night Launch and will use Hangar 3 and Blackpool Airport as their base over the weekend. They will also be joined by the other display teams that will also be using Blackpool and Hangar 3 as their base for the weekend event with a total of 28 aircraft using the facilities including Lancaster Spitfire and Hurricane of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Mustang and the Spitfire Pairs (full schedule attached). Hangar 3 and the Airport have arranged on the display team’s behalf, overnight accommodation at various hotels in the town including Hampton by Hilton and Blackpool Football Club hotel. Transport to and from the hotels is by Hangar 3 and they utilise local drivers and firms to effect this. Blackpool’s breath-taking air show will be bigger and better than ever. The programme will showcase the very best in aviation with a whole host of amazing flying machines and some of the country’s most talented pilots. In 2018, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is performing to millions of people during an important year of commemoration and celebration. The Red Arrows’ 54th season is also the RAF’s 100th anniversary, and they'll be performing a magnificent display in Blackpool on Sunday, 12th August. For more information please visit: www.visitblackpool.com/airshow Owned by Blackpool Council, the airport continues to be a key part of the local economy. The Airport is fully operational and currently operates a category 3 level but has the potential to operate up to category 6. Blackpool Council has commissioned York Aviation to develop a business plan to maximise the potential market opportunities for the airport, work on which is expected to be completed this summer. This will complement the broader business plan for the Blackpool Enterprise Zone, of which the airport forms an integral part.