North Korea holds first public air show, the Wonsan Air Festival 2016 takes place at the Eastern port city of Wonsan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The main venue will be Kalma International Airport, a newly re-constructed airport built in grand style and gateway to the Wonsan – Mount Kumgang Tourism Zone. Haean Square, the city’s central square which will host the grand finale of the Festival.
Korean People’s Army Air Force Aerobatic Display
Taking place in the morning of the first day of the Festival, the KPA Air Force will perform a two hour aerobatic flying display. A number of aircraft types are anticipated to take part, including Mig-21, Mig-29, Sukhoi Su-25 jets and Hughes MD-500 helicopters. When not flying, they will be parked up at Kalma during the day as a static display for photography.
Air Koryo Aerobatic Display
Taking place in the afternoon of the first day of the Festival, the DPRK’s national airline, Air Koryo, will take to the skies and perform a full aerobatic display featuring low passes and touch and go manoeuvres. Aircraft types planned to take part will include the Ilyushin IL-18, IL-62, IL-76, Tupolev Tu-134, Tu-154, Antonov An-24 airliners plus Mil Mi-17 helicopters. When not flying, they will be parked up at Kalma during the day as a static display for photography.
Air Koryo Scenic Pleasure Flights
On the second day of the Festival, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy optional 30 minute scenic pleasure flights on a range of classic aircraft in the Air Koryo fleet, including the Ilyushin IL-18, IL-62, IL-76, Tupolev Tu-134, Tu-154, Antonov An-24 airlines plus Mil Mi-17 helicopters and some of Air Koryo’s light training aircraft. Those not taking the flights will be allowed to film and photograph the aircraft in action from the edge of the runway.
Skydiving
For the first time ever, the DPRK will welcome foreign skydivers to our country in the spirit of international peace and friendship through air sports. Professionally qualified parachutists are invited to participate in the inaugural ‘International Friendship Skydive’, in which Korean and foreign skydivers will jump together over the Kalma Peninsula. Should you wish to take part in this unique, first time parachuting event, please contact one of the authorised Air Festival Travel Agents who will be happy to provide more information about how to join.
As well as the above, parachutists from the Pyongyang Air Club will be performing several demonstration jumps from various heights onto the runway.
Model Aircraft Aerobatic Display
Taking place on the second day of the Festival in between the pleasure flights, Pyongyang Air Club will perform an aerobatic flying display with a range of model aircraft. We are promised a colourful and lively display that will rival that of their bigger brothers – albeit in miniature!