Pretoria Airshow 2026 Delivers Spectacular Family Aviation Experience

Pretoria, Gauteng – The much-anticipated Pretoria Airshow 2026, held at the popular Adventure Farm at Rhino Park Airfield, unfolded under clear blue skies and warm late-winter sunshine, providing aviation enthusiasts and families with a memorable day of flying displays, innovation and entertainment.

By Flippie van Emmenis, Photos Flippie, Lettie & Andrê

Months of intensive marketing through social media platforms, roadside billboards and digital advertising screens at major shopping centres, including Menlyn Park, ensured exceptional public awareness ahead of the event. By early morning, the venue was already buzzing with activity as vendors, exhibitors and airshow officials prepared for a full day of aviation action.

One of the first sights greeting visitors was the impressive Pretoria Airshow entrance display, welcoming spectators to one of South Africa's premier aviation events.

Capital Sounds had completed most of its setup the previous day and spent the morning fine-tuning audio levels across the airfield. Emergency services personnel and vehicles were strategically positioned throughout the venue and remained on standby for the duration of the event. Fortunately, their services were not required as the airshow proceeded safely and without incident.

A notable safety feature this year was a line of large hay bales secured with steel cables along the crowd line due to the proximity of the runway. While never needed, the installation demonstrated the organisers' commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

Adding a modern dimension to the spectator experience were four giant daylight screens positioned along the crowd line. These displayed live feeds from drones and cockpit action cameras, giving visitors unique perspectives of the flying displays. Co-organiser David le Roux kept spectators engaged throughout the day by offering spot prizes to attendees who waved when they appeared on the big screens.

The shaded vendor area beneath the venue's mature trees once again proved popular with families seeking a relaxed atmosphere between flying displays.

Comprehensive Briefings Ensure Safety

Before flying activities commenced, pilots, media representatives, emergency services personnel and event officials attended a series of briefings led by Keith Fryer, Flight Display Director from AirBoss SA and Chairman of Air Shows South Africa (ASSA).

The briefings covered safety procedures, operational areas, emergency planning and the responsibilities of all participants.

Additional support officials, including Mark Kelbrick, Flight Safety Director, and Keith Andrew, Ramp Director, were hard at work from the earliest hours, ensuring smooth operations throughout the event.

Flying Programme Gets Underway

The official flying programme commenced shortly after midday following the emergency services parade and SAPS helicopter participation.

According to the official programme, the display sequence featured an impressive variety of military heritage aircraft, aerobatic performers, helicopters, gyrocopters, radio-controlled models and skydivers.

Highlights from the Pretoria Airshow 2026 Programme

·       Emergency Vehicles Parade and SAPS Helicopter

·       Skydivers

·       Puma Flying Lions Harvard Team

·       Tristan Eales Extra 330SC Aerobatics

·       Sling Formation Team

·       Marksmen Aerobatic Team

·       Radio-Controlled Aircraft Demonstrations

·       Master Power Extra Formation Team

·       Magni Gyro Display and Car Race

·       Gazelle and Gyro Formation Display

·       Gazelle Helicopter and Car Race

·       Classic Flying Collection Chipmunk Formation

·       Navion Formation Display

·       Bosbok Demonstration

·       Vintage Biplane Formation

·       Stearman Solo Display

·       Tiger Moth Formation

·       Final Skydiving Display

Historic Aircraft and Skydivers Open the Action

Prior to the official commencement, spectators were treated to several flypasts by the beautifully restored Piaggio Albatross. Its distinctive twin pusher-engine configuration announced its arrival long before it became visible over Rhino Park.

The exciting flying programme officially began with skydivers Graham Field, Harry Laing and Denis Howe being lifted to altitude by Juba Joubert in his Llama helicopter. The skydivers would later perform two precision parachute displays during the day, thrilling spectators with fast and accurate landings.

Puma Flying Lions Impress Once Again

The ever-popular Puma Flying Lions Harvard team delivered one of the day's standout performances. Flying a combination of three-ship and four-ship formations, team members Ellis Levin, Arnie Meneghelli, Deon Raath and solo performer Nigel Hopkins demonstrated why the team remains one of South Africa's premier display acts.

The unmistakable puff of smoke from the Pratt & Whitney radial engines signalled the beginning of another polished and crowd-pleasing performance.

Aerobatics, Formation Flying and Precision Displays

Tristan Eales showcased his exceptional aerobatic talent on two occasions throughout the day, with expert commentary provided by his father, Barrie Eales.

The Sling Formation Team, comprising Grant Timms, Riaan Denner and Jason Adriaan, demonstrated the capabilities of South Africa's home-grown aircraft in close formation flying.

The Marksmen Team, featuring Mark Hensman, Gary Glasson and Eugene du Preez, delivered two exceptional displays filled with precision, energy and professionalism.

Similarly, the Master Power Extra Team, flown by Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish, wowed spectators with aggressive and accurate formation aerobatics, including spectacular opposing and knife-edge passes along the crowd line.

Radio-Controlled Aircraft Draw Big Crowds

One of the most popular attractions was the radio-controlled aircraft demonstration team. Pilots Richard Hickman, Malan Moolman, Joshua Twomey and Chan Waiman amazed spectators with highly detailed scale models, ranging from aerobatic aircraft to jet-powered military replicas, including F-16s and an L-39.

Helicopters, Gyrocopters and Racing Action

Adding variety to the programme were displays by Andre van Zyl in the Magni Gyro and Juba Joubert in the Gazelle helicopter. Their dissimilar formation flights and vehicle races proved highly entertaining and added a unique dimension to the show.

Additional helicopter demonstrations included Gazelle and Llama formations, while helicopter flips were conducted throughout the day in a designated area away from the aerobatic display box.

Classic Flying Collection Keeps History Alive

The Classic Flying Collection once again showcased aviation heritage at its finest. Formations involving Chipmunks, Tiger Moths, Stampe aircraft and a Stearman provided a nostalgic glimpse into aviation's golden era.

Pilots Steve Brown, Grant Timms, Ryan Briggs and Duncan Ritchie delivered beautifully flown vintage formations, with Steve Brown also presenting a memorable solo Stearman display.

Grant Timms further entertained crowds with two outstanding demonstrations in the ex-SAAF Bosbok, proving that classic military utility aircraft can still captivate modern audiences.

A Successful Airshow Despite Economic Challenges

As the final skydivers descended and the aircraft began departing, the Pretoria Airshow could reflect on another highly successful event.

The show proceeded without incident and presented an impressively varied display programme despite challenging economic conditions. This achievement was made possible through extensive volunteer commitment, dedicated organisers and generous sponsorship support.

While the Springboks versus All Blacks Test Match in Cape Town resulted in some spectators leaving earlier than expected, the overall attendance and atmosphere remained positive throughout the day.

What continues to set Pretoria Airshow apart is its unique combination of a family-friendly venue, diverse flying programme and innovative use of technology. The giant screens displaying live drone and cockpit footage once again elevated the spectator experience to another level.

Having achieved second place in South Africa's "Airshow of the Year" rankings for 2025, Pretoria Airshow has once again demonstrated why it deserves serious consideration for top honours in 2026.

With another successful edition now complete, aviation enthusiasts can already begin looking forward to what promises to be an even bigger and better Pretoria Airshow 2027.

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