Heavy metal and a generous Aviation fraternity

This years Durban Wings club airshow appears to have been fraught with controversy if the rumour mill is to be believed. But in the end the plans all came together and a most successful airshow ensued. A long-term sponsor in the form of Chemspec has come to the table and has provided R2.5 million rand in sponsorship over the next 4 years to ensure the ongoing success of this event. Thank you Chemspec.

This year’s airshow was the 51st iteration and makes this event arguably the second longest running airshow in the world. The display programme was fully packed with only the Silver Falcons and the fast jets performing a second show on the first day. In fact the show was so busy that the scheduled performance of the radio controlled aircraft was not performed on the Saturday.

A comment must be made about the entrance fee, although high in comparison with other South African airshows it was worth ones while to attend. Where else in South Africa can one attend a premier sports event of any nature for less?

Heavies

1Time MD-82

The past Durban Wings Club Airshows have been known to include flypasts of airliners from the various airlines. This year saw four different airlines participate with Avstar, British Airways and Nationwide proudly showing off their Boeing 737s and 1-Time (and all) displaying their bright red MD-82 in a very spirited display. To see these airliners up close and personal is a thrill to the crowd. The simulated go-arounds performed by the airliners are well received by the crowd who secretly hope for a real “touch and go” to be performed at Virginia. The Avster Boeing also flew 40 “Reach for a Dream” children and accompanying persons down to Durban. Additional sponsors of this flight were ATNS, ACSA and Sasol.

Nationwide Boeing 737

British Airways - Boeing 737