RAF Waddington International Air Show proved to be a huge success. With high numbers the early surge in traffic was heavier than expected, we have worked closely with the Lincolnshire Police and the Traffic Management Company to minimise disruption and maximise traffic flow.
With a huge variety of aircraft filling the skies above RAF Waddington over the 2 days, it was difficult for anyone to pick a favourite display. From the roaring Thunderbirds to the might of the Vulcan there was something for all of the 145 000 visitors.
A flypast by Waddington-based Sentry, of 8 Squadron provided the curtain-raiser to this year’s spectacular air show, the 16th to be held at the Lincolnshire airbase. Also thrilling the crowds was the familiar Avro Lancaster bomber escorted by a Spitfire and Hurricane from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
In total the air show included over 7 hours of flying displays and 55 static display aircraft Among the aerobatic teams displaying was the RAF’s own Red Arrows, and the UK’s only full-time civilian aerobatic team: the Blades. The Thunderbirds in their F-16 Fighting Falcons attended the RAF Waddington Air Show for the first time in more than 10 years and their only 2011 UK appearance.
But it was the eagerly-awaited appearance of the Vulcan on both days of the air show which saw the crowds fall silent in awe during the exciting and nostalgic 10-minute flying display.
Group Captain Chris Jones, Station Commander at RAF Waddington, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the success of this year’s show. Given our ongoing operational commitments, I am immensely proud that RAF Waddington personnel have been able to mount such a spectacular show this year, and I am grateful for all the hard work that has gone in to making the event a resounding success.
He continued:
Thanks to superb assistance from the local emergency services and the local authorities, we have been able to hold a wonderful event, allowing us to showcase the RAF’s capabilities to families and aviation enthusiasts alike. I hope everyone has an enjoyable and memorable day at RAF Waddington,
New to the air show this year was the RAF on Air experience, a 20ft x 9ft screen showcasing the RAF at its best, at home and on operations. Carol Vorderman took the helm hosting interviews with Flt Lt Kirsty Moore, the first female Red Arrows pilot and Myles Garland, ex RAF Red Arrows and now the Blades Leader. Another new techno innovation was the introduction of a smart phone app where visitors could scan bar codes next to stationary aircraft for info and stats.
Recently retired from the RAF, the 2011 RAF Waddington Air Show was the first for Mr Paul Sall, in his position as Air Show Director, It has been a steep learning curve, this year, but I am very pleased with how the Air Show has gone. There is a great sense of achievement for everyone on the Air Show Team to see so many visitors enjoying the ground displays, big screen and the flying displays and I’m really looking forward to building on our successes next year.
All the proceeds from the RAF Waddington Air Show are donated to the RAF Association (RAFA) and the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF). Some £2.6 million has been raised since the first air show 1995 and although this year’s final total is still being calculated, it is likely that as well as some £100,000will be raised for RAFA and RAFBF charities, RAF Waddington will also benefit with a charity pot of about £20,000 for local causes.
RAF Waddington looks forward to throwing open their gates and welcoming the public again next year for the 2012 Air Show on 30 June – 1 July.
RAF press release
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