Airbourne 2025 Preview

 

It's that time of year already! Airbourne is mere days away and as is now traditional, here are my picks for what I'm most looking forward to seeing on the beach this year. 

A brief public service announcement before we get started, Airbourne needs donation to keep flying each year as it receives no support from the local council (the show is entirely crowdfunded) so if you have a few pennies spare then please consider a donation here or pop some change in the buckets on the seafront (you know you want to 😉).

There's only one way to start off the preview and that's of course with ..

The Red Arrows

Performing 'Tornado' last year

The Reds are back all 4 days this year after kindly squeezing us onto the day before they were due to fly to Canada last year .

9 Arrow Cross last year

Anyone who's read my blogs about Airbourne previously know that the absolute pinnacle of my summer is when those 9 red hawks shoot over the crowd into their display. 

I've been lucky enough to see the Reds already this year at Goodwood Festival Of Speed and RIAT (you can read my review here) and their display is fantastic.  They've kept my favourite '9 Arrow Cross' manoeuvre from last year and also added a new cross 'The Chainsaw'. Keep an eye out for their sky-filling finale break too. 

Running into their RIAT display last month

Synchro pair at RIAT

RIAT display -

Melanie Astles Extra 330

A new-to-Airbourne display that I'm really excited about is Melanie Astles in her Extra 300. Melanie is a Aerobatic champion and has competed in the Red Bull Air Race (on my airshow bucket list). Judging by this video I found on YouTube we're in for a real spectacle!

Jet Pitts

2024's show

Continuing with the aerobatic theme Rich Goodwin is back in his Jet Pitts. The Jet Pitts has become a real crowd pleaser here in Eastbourne due to Rich's fast-tempo display contrasted with the sight of the aircraft hanging in the air. This video from his 2023 display will give you an idea of what's in store.

P51-D Mustang 'Moonbeam McSwine'

Moonbeam only arrived in the UK earlier this year and I believe Airbourne is amongst her first UK displays. Since I haven't been introduced to her yet and been able to photograph here, I feel a photo of my own Mustang is appropriate ...

And it would be rude not to include Maverick too!

Rolls Royce Spitfire

Last year

Returning this year is the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight's Spitfire. I'm looking forward to another graceful display accompanied by the growl of her Griffon engine.

Catching the light at RIAT

Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight

2023

Any preview I could write for the BBMF will always feel inadequate so all I'll say is savour the roar of the Merlin engines of the Spitfire, Hurricane & Lancaster and enjoy the 'museum without walls'. This will be Eastbourne's last chance to see the Lancaster until 2027 as she is due to go into 18-month deep maintenance at the close of this season.

Passing the pier last year

Royal Navy Black Cats

A welcome return after almost 15 years to the Royal Navy Black Cats! They last appeared at the show in 2011 (including keeping my brother and I entertained on a cold, windy Thursday when they were the only thing that flew 😂) and it's great to have them back. 

2011

They were one of the highlights of my airshow season last year and I'm looking forward to seeing them here (minus the 2011 weather).

RIAT 2025

Next up we have a couple of vintage jets -

Strikemaster

We last saw the Strikemaster back in 2023 on a warm and sunny weekend where it glinted beautifully in the light.  Don't let it's relatively quiet engine  fool you this small jet packs quite the punch with it's impressive climb rate. It's trainer variant the Jet Provost is flying on Thursday and Friday.

Vampire

Airbourne 2023

The Norwegian Historic Squadron is bringing their cold war era Vampire all 4 days of the show. Vampires are one of my favourite vintage jets with their iconic 'twin boom' tail. 

A400M Atlas

This week we had an exciting last minute addition to the show when it was announced that the RAF are sending an A400M to perform flypasts on Thursday and Friday. I love the A400M and an aircraft of it's size low along the seafront is going to be really impressive. 

Over London earlier this year.

Typhoon

My final pick for the preview is of course the RAF Typhoon.

'Moggy' last year

It's fast, it's furious and most importantly LOUD. If you like aviation photography then the vapour that it always kicks up makes for some great photos (in my humble opinion).

2024

This year's display is absolutely phenomenal and when you're waiting for it to arrive you may want to look behind you 😉😎

I hope you've enjoyed my pick of the displays. You can see the full display line-up including other aircraft such as the Jet Provost, Stampe Formation etc here.

All that's left to say is enjoy yourselves and keep everything crossed for good weather!

Love Jen

XxxX