French returning to Warbirds
THE French are coming.
The Armee de l’air (French Air Force) is the first international air force to confirm it intends to return to the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow next Easter.
It will be the third Warbirds over Wanaka attended by the French, who plan to bring their Casa military transport aircraft.
The aircraft and crew are stationed at the Tontouta military base in New Caledonia.
Major Laurent Monfort of the French Air Force said the visit would depend on operational issues closer to the the time but at this stage they would be coming back to Wanaka.
Warbirds Over Wanaka general manager Ed Taylor said he was delighted the French would make their third appearance at the show.
‘‘They are such a great bunch of guys to deal with and are a real hit with the public.’’
He expected there would be a large military presence at the airshow’s 30th anniversary celebrations next year.
It was hoped a large contingent of aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force would head the military lineup.
Invitations had also been sent to other air forces and Mr Taylor said he expected to hear back from them later this year.
Tickets sales were stronger than they were early on for last year’s event, and there was strong overseas interest, particularly from Australia.
Last year’s threeday show attracted 49,000 spectators, about 15% of them from overseas.