The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the world-famous Red Arrows, have confirmed their attendance at the Kaivopuisto Air Show on 9.6.2017.

The visit is made possible by the Government of the United Kingdom and BAE Systems, who are offering the Eurofighter Typhoon to succeed the Hornet as the main fighter type of the Finnish Air Force as part of the Finnish HX programme.

Flying distinctive BAE Systems Hawk advanced jet trainers, the Reds are known for their tight and precise trademark formations. The Red Arrows, founded in 1965, have performed almost 5,000 times in 57 countries around the globe, including Finland last time in 2006 in Kauhava.

The team is commanded by Wing Commander Martin Higgins and the nine-aircraft formation is led by Squadron Leader David Montenegro (Red 1). The aircrew are all experienced, frontline fighter pilots of the Royal Air Force, having previously flown the Tornado or Typhoon operationally.

Describing the Red Arrows’ display over Helsinki as “a gift to Finland 100 from the UK”, the British Ambassador, Sarah Price, said:

“I am delighted that the Red Arrows are coming to Helsinki to celebrate Finland’s centenary with their amazing flying display. The Red Arrows will thrill the crowds and demonstrate the UK’s enduring friendship with Finland and our close defence and security partnership.”

Red Arrows returning to Kaivopuisto

”The Red Arrows conquered Finland”, wrote the Ilmailu-magazine describing a previous Red Arrows visit in Kaivopuisto in 1970. The event attracted thousands of spectators to the shores of Kaivopuisto, for whom the disciplined formations and breathtaking solo performances of the British pilots provided an unforgettable experience. Such experiences are to be expected again this summer, 47 years later, as the Red Arrows return to celebrate the centenary of Finland.

Press Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ilmailumuseo/albums/72157681936270556

Read more about HX- programme: https://ilmailumuseo.fi/en/hx/

Read more about the performers and other program on the Museum’s www-page: https://ilmailumuseo.fi/kaivari/ or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kaivariairshow/

The Kaivopuisto Air Show is a huge, free-of-charge, aviation-themed event, organized by the Finnish Aviation Museum. The Show will be held on Friday Night, 9.6.2017. Various aircraft types representing the past, present and future of Finnish Aviation will take part in the Show. The Show will take place in the air, land and sea. Partners of the event include BAE Systems, Finavia, Finnair, Saab AB, SEK, The Finnish Aeronautical Association and the City of Vantaa.

Additional information:

Markku Kyyrönen, Museum Director, Finnish Aviation Museum
tel. +358 44 777 0797, markku.kyyronen@ilmailumuseo.fi

Perttu Karivalo, Air Show Director
tel. +358 40 5431539, perttu.karivalo@nightsky.fi

The Finnish Aviation Museum is a national special museum, it has the largest aeronautical collection in Finland. Finnish aviation and planes either designed or used by Finns are at the heart of the collection. The Finnish Aviation Museum is an active and interactive Museum up to international standards. The museum is located near the Helsinki-Vantaa airport and can easily be reached by several means of transport. The Finnish Aviation Museum is owned by the Finnish Aviation Museum Foundation.

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