The full line-up of magnificent flying machines that will perform at this year’s Blackpool Air Show has been unveiled.

The free two-day show on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August will feature thrilling displays from a wide range of military and civil aircraft.

Red Arrows

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams, will perform at the Blackpool Air Show on both days.

Commemorating sixty seasons of breath-taking displays, this year, they have revealed special artwork on each of the iconic Hawk jets that make up their formation. As part of this momentous season, the Red Arrows have planned a brand-new nine-aircraft show, introducing manoeuvres not seen for a generation.

Since its formation in 1964, the Red Arrows have amazed crowds worldwide with nearly 5,000 shows in 57 countries.

Photo credit: MoD/Crown Copyright 2024

RAF Typhoon

Bring the noise! The Typhoon FGR.Mk 4 is a highly capable and extremely agile fourth-generation multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed for the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high-intensity conflict. 

Piloted by Flt Lt David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull, this year's Typhoon Display aircraft proudly showcases a camouflage scheme reminiscent of the RAF Hawker Typhoon aircraft during Operation OVERLORD.

The Eurofighter Typhoon has a top speed of more than 1400mph and is powered by two Rolls Royce engines, producing 40,000lbs of thrust. Ear plugs at the ready!

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

The Royal Air Force (RAF) Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) commemorates all those who have lost their lives serving in the RAF, or its predecessor the Royal Flying Corps, in all conflicts from 1914 up to the present day.

SPITFIRE
The iconic Supermarine Spitfire was critical in defeating Luftwaffe air attacks during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

HURRICANE
The Hawker Hurricane played a vital role in the Battle of Britain. There are only 12 airworthy Hurricanes left in the world, and the BBMF proudly operates two of these historically important aircraft.

LANCASTER
The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two. There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world.

Tribute: We have the greatest admiration and respect for the crews and the engineers who bring these aircraft to the masses to enjoy their splendour.
The team at VisitBlackpool would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Sqn Ldr Long who lost his life during a Battle of Britain memorial show in May. The pilot was due to take over the Memorial flight next year. Our thoughts are with his team, family, and friends.

Photo credit: Crown Copyright 2024

The Ravens

Get ready to be thrilled by Team Raven, an elite formation aerobatic display team that has wowed audiences across Europe since their formation in 2014. 

Comprised of six highly experienced pilots flying one of the world’s best-selling self-build aircraft, the Vans RV-8, Team Raven brings precision, power, and performance to the skies.
Photo credit: Paul Johnson Flightline

Aerobatics Wingwalkers

Prepare to be amazed as two professional wingwalkers perform breath-taking acrobatics and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of the beautiful Boeing Stearman biplanes. Watch as the pilots fly through a choreographed and energetic routine of dazzling aerobatics and close formation flypasts.
These manoeuvres include loops, rolls, stall turns and inverted flight – all reaching speeds of up to 150 mph and ‘G’ forces of up to 4G’s!

Catalina

The Catalina, formally known as the consolidated PBY Catalina, is an iconic flying boat celebrated for its pivotal role in aviation history. One of the most cherished Catalinas is “Miss Pick Up,” operated by Plane Sailing Air Displays Ltd and supported by The Catalina Society.

Found abandoned in a car park in the 1990s, Miss Pick Up was carefully restored and flown all the way from Canada to the UK. Since its restoration, the Catalina has been thrilling air show audiences for nearly 40 years, making it a beloved part of aviation events across Europe.  It even set a UK National Record for flying 3,317 kilometres around Britain’s coast in just over 18 hours!

Swordfish

W5856 began its journey with the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet, likely conducting patrols over the Straits from Gibraltar’s North Front. After a year of active service, she returned to the UK for refurbishment in the winter of 1942/43.

This model of Swordfish was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1944 for two years’ service. She was acquired by the Strathallan collection in 1977, and subsequently purchased by BAE Systems who lovingly restored her.

Photo credit: LHoward Photography

Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight

The Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight aims to inspire and educate the public about aviation history by showcasing rare and historically accurate aircraft, engines, and artefacts to honour the stories of those who served their country.

SPITFIRE PS853
In 1996, Rolls-Royce acquired PS853, now re-registered as G-RRGN. Since then, it has become a beloved ambassador for Rolls-Royce.
 
NORTH AMERICAN P-51D MUSTANG
Built in mid-1944 at North American Aviation’s factory in California, this Mustang was delivered in July 1945 but did not see combat during World War II. Instead, it spent most of its service life in various training units in the USA. It joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1951, serving until its retirement in 1959.
It now operates from a dedicated hangar at East Midlands Airport, near Rolls-Royce’s main site in Derby.

Photo credit: John Dibbs Photography

Calidus Autogyro

An autogyro, often likened to a flying windmill or a rotating parachute, is a unique aircraft that mixes the characteristics of a helicopter and an aeroplane. Imagine a sycamore seed gently spinning as it descends - this is the essence of an autogyro in flight!

Autogyros, including the Calidus, have been displayed at major air shows worldwide, from Farnborough to Oshkosh, Dubai, and Paris.

L-39 Albatros

Designed during the 1960s, the L-39 Albatros is a two-seater, high-performance jet trainer and is considered to be the most widely used jet trainer in the world.
To this day, the L-39 Albatros is still used in many air forces, taking the position as an attack aircraft or air to ground support missions.
Photo credit: Stephen Simpson

 

Muscle Pitts

Introducing the Muscle Pitts special, a highly modified stunt plane that delivers impressive aerobatic displays at air shows across the UK and Europe. The Muscle Pitts is known for its combination of loops, rolls, tumbles, and stall turns, featuring signature manoeuvres like the Knife Edge pass.

Chipmunk

One of the RAF’s longest serving aircraft types, the Canadian designed chipmunk entered RAF service in 1950. Chipmunks replaced the tiger moth as an initial pilot trainer, offering relatively modern features such as flaps, brakes, radio and an enclosed cockpit.

Over seven-hundred Chipmunks were built for the RAF, some of which also served with the Army and the Royal Navy. A substantial number of civilian Chipmunks are still flying in countries around the world.

Photo credit: Stephen Simpson Photography

BLACKPOOL AIR SHOW 2024 - TIMINGS

This information is correct at the time of release but may be subject to change on the day.