Tag Archives: Airlink
Excitement Soars at the Pietermaritzburg Airshow
The skies over Pietermaritzburg roared to life on Saturday 10th August 2024, as the FUZE Pietermaritzburg Airshow 2024 delivered a thrilling spectacle of aerial acrobatics and precision flying. Despite the sweltering heat, the event was a resounding success, with enthusiastic spectators enjoying a seamless entry experience thanks to the efficient ticketing system managed by TicketPro.
From the very start, the crowd was kept entertained and informed by the dynamic commentary provided by Brian Emmenis from Capital Sounds. His deep knowledge of the pilots and aircraft, combined with his engaging delivery, added an extra layer of excitement to the day’s events. Assisting him was Thamsanqa Elvis Manene, also from Capital Sounds, who did a fantastic job of providing commentary in isiZulu for the spectators, ensuring that everyone could fully enjoy and understand the show.
The event kicked off in spectacular fashion with the skydivers from the Durban Skydive Centre making a dramatic entrance. Leaping from the Aerospatiale SA-341F2 Gazelle, expertly piloted by Jubba Joubert, the skydivers painted the early morning sky with their colorful chutes, setting the tone for the day. The sight of these fearless jumpers descending from the heavens was a breathtaking start that had the crowd cheering in admiration.
Following this thrilling opening, a mass formation flypast brought together seven aircraft in a coordinated aerial ballet. The pilots executed intricate maneuvers in perfect sync, showcasing both their individual skills and their ability to work as a cohesive unit. The formation ended with a spectacular break, leaving the spectators in awe of the precision and timing on display.
The excitement continued with the Marksmen Aerobatics Team taking to the skies. They wowed the crowd with thrilling maneuvers such as the switchblade and knife-edge crossovers, demonstrating their extraordinary control and daring. The crowd’s gasps of awe echoed across the airfield as the Marksmen performed these gravity-defying stunts with razor-sharp precision.
Next up was Andrew Blackwood-Murray in the Nashua Extra 300 EA 300LP. His display was nothing short of spectacular as he pushed the aircraft to its limits, executing loops, rolls, and spins with breathtaking finesse. The Nashua Extra 300’s agility was on full display, leaving spectators mesmerized by the sheer power and grace of the aircraft.
Following Andrew’s performance, Jubba Joubert returned to the skies, this time showcasing the incredible capabilities of the Gazelle helicopter. His gravity-defying moves left the audience in awe as he maneuvered the Gazelle with an ease that belied the complexity of the stunts. The crowd watched in amazement as Jubba put the Gazelle through its paces, proving that helicopters can be just as thrilling as their fixed-wing counterparts.
Just as the show seemed to be settling into its rhythm, it was suddenly interrupted for a seemingly impromptu flight to celebrate a local man’s 100th birthday. The elderly man, strapped into a Piper J-3C-65 Cub, was ready for a simple joyride. However, as the pilot was checking the aircraft and had just started the engine, the plane began to move—with the centenarian at the controls! To the shock of the crowd, the old man managed to take off, with paramedics and security services chasing after the runaway aircraft.
What followed was a nerve-wracking series of low-altitude flypasts, the Cub wobbling precariously as it skimmed the ground. Officials frantically tried to talk the birthday boy through the landing process over the radio, the tension mounting with each attempt. Finally, after several shaky passes, the old man managed to bring the Cub down safely, only to be tackled by security as he exited the plane.
It was at that moment that the big reveal was made: the entire scenario had been a masterfully executed stunt. The “100-year-old man” was none other than Scully Levin, one of South Africa’s most experienced pilots, with over 30,000 hours of flying time. The crowd erupted in applause and laughter as Levin waved, having expertly piloted the Cub through its paces, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities in a brilliantly staged act of showmanship.
The show continued with the Navion Formation, a stunning display by aircraft built by North American Aviation, the same company that made the famous P-51 Mustangs. The Navion Formation delivered a powerful performance, showcasing the durability and grace of these classic aircraft in a series of elegant maneuvers that honored their storied legacy.
After the Navions, the Aermacchi AM3-C “Bosbok” took to the skies. These aircraft, used in conflict situations in the 70s and 80s in multiple roles such as target marking (using smoke-rockets) and reconnaissance, proved their versatility once again. Piloted by Grant Timms, the Bosbok delivered a fantastic display, demonstrating the aircraft’s agility and adaptability in various situations.
Following the Bosbok’s impressive performance, Scully Levin and his daughter Sally Fleck returned to perform in a Van’s RV-6. Their coordinated maneuvers in the RV-6 highlighted the aircraft’s capabilities, charming the crowd with a beautiful display of precision flying and familial teamwork.
After the Van’s RV-6 display, the show paused for a lunch break. During this time, the pilots gathered at the “Smoke on Go” stand, where spectators had the opportunity to meet their aviation heroes and collect autographs. This interaction was widely welcomed and supported by the crowd, adding a personal touch to the day’s events.
Following the lunch break, the skydivers took to the skies once again, delighting the audience with their precision jumps and colorful parachutes. The Marksmen team followed with another round of thrilling aerobatics, leaving the crowd in awe of their skill and daring. As the airshow continued, the routine was briefly interrupted by the arrival of an Airlink Embraer ERJ-135, a reminder that the airport was still operating commercial flights amidst the excitement of the airshow.
The show then continued with more spectacular performances from the Bosbok, Navions, and the Gazelle, each aircraft showcasing its unique capabilities in breathtaking displays. As the airshow progressed, there was a brief pause to allow the Airlink jet to take off, seamlessly blending the ongoing commercial operations with the day’s thrilling events.
Adding to the day’s excitement, Andrew Blackwood-Murray returned to the skies in the Nashua Extra 300 for another adrenaline-pumping performance. Pushing the aircraft to its limits once more, Andrew executed a series of complex maneuvers with unmatched precision and flair, leaving the audience cheering and craving more.
Bringing the event to a memorable close, the FUZE Aviation Academy took center stage with a remarkable display showcasing their exceptional training skills. The academy’s pilots performed a series of coordinated maneuvers and formations, demonstrating the high level of proficiency and professionalism that FUZE Aviation Academy instills in its trainees. The performance served as an inspiring testament to the future of aviation talent being nurtured by the academy.
As the sun set on the airfield, the FUZE Airshow 2024 concluded. It was especially great to see the Pietermaritzburg Airshow back after a 10-year gap, soaring to great heights and delivering a day full of excitement, skill, and breathtaking aerial displays that will be cherished by all who attended. The seamless blend of entertainment, community engagement, and professional aviation showcased the best of Pietermaritzburg’s aviation spirit, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating a bigger and better spectacle next year.
A special thank you goes out to all the organizers, vendors, and everyone involved who contributed to making the show a great success. This includes, but is not limited to, FUZE Aviation Academy, Creative Space Media, Smoke On Go, Capital Sounds, ALS Paramedics, local authorities, and Air Show South Africa officials who kept the show running smoothly and safely.
Please enjoy the full gallery of photos from the show below.
Rand Airshow 2023
The Grand Rand Airshow one of the very few South African airshows that takes place on a Sunday shadowed by the Johannesburg central business district making a great background for photography with aircraft added in.
After a stern safety briefing from the Rand Airport new safety manager. All the known South African Aviation media that are on the airshow circuit made their way to acceptable advantage points to capture the days flying.
Brian Emmenis from Capital Sounds and his team once again provided commentary on the show progress. A busy weekend it was for Capital Sounds as they also attended the Children’s Flight at Orient Airfield on Friday the 1st September.
Rand Airshows Flight Display Director with Rikus Erasmus and Safety director former South African Airforce Colonel Francois “Hosepipe” Hanekom.
The airshow was opened by Grant Timms flying Chris Kambouris’s OneX. This was the first of its type flying in a South African airshow.
Grant also flew the de Haviland Tiger Moth display with Rodney Chinn.
Also making up of the contingent of the Classic Flying Collection was the de Haviland Chipmunk formation of three examples flown by Rodney Chinn, Ryan Briggs and Grant Timms. This was Ryan Briggs first airshow display.
The Puma Flying Lions led by Scully Levin and the Hired Gun Pitts Specials. Making up of most of the airshow performers based at Rand Airport. Scully also put on a solo display with a Cirrus S22.
Aerobatics galore was sure a favorite ar this years show, the South Africa Sports Aerobatic club (SAC) presented a Extra 330 flown by Barrie Eels, and a Extra 300L flown by Elton Bondi.
Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish in the Extra 330 Duo, which they also joined up with Menno Parsons in both his Bell407 and P51D “Mustang Sally”.Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his Nashua Extra 300 display despite windy flying conditions.
From the rotary airshow participants, Juba Jourbert flew the Alouette II, Andre van Zyl flew the Magni Gyrocopter, Henley Air Andre Coetzee flew the Bell 230, Both Menno Parsons in his Bell 407 and Buzz Bezuidenhout in the Tiger Bell UH1 Huey.
Mike Weingartz flew Master Power Technologies L39, Mike is still got the highest number of hours on the Aermacchi MB326K Impala in the world. Oscar Goudriaan in a Jonker JS3 Rapture Turbine Sailplane provided a glider display, something quite rare on the South African airshow circuit these days.
From the Classic businessliners of the day, the beech 18 flown by Springbok Classic Air Flippie Vermulen and his son Ben put on a spirited display of the radial.
The Goodyear Eagles, also having Rand Airport as their home base for many years, flew their four ship Pitts S2B routine. The Raptors Vans RVs also put on a tight aerobatic display of the kit built aircraft.
The highlight of the day was surely the Airlink Sky bucks E195 display flown by Airlinks chief pilot, Captain Jaco Henning.
A special word of thanks goes to Airshow South Africa including Louise Hofmeyr for allowing the media to cover the event and positioning us on the airport to capture the moments. Robyn from Aviation Hub for helping handle the media accreditation, we appreciate your assistance.
Please Browse through our gallery below:
Airlink unveils its hot little black number!
12 JULY 2023, Johannesburg – Airlink, Southern Africa’s independent and privately owned regional airline, unveiled a distinctive special-liveried new addition to its fleet today.
The newly acquired Embraer E195 jetliner, which now sports a classy jet-black paint scheme, debuted on a test flight at O.R. Tambo International Airport this morning and will soon operate on Airlink’s main domestic and regional trunk services.
“Some say flying has lost its allure, but as Southern Africa’s premier airline, Airlink is putting glamour and style back in the skies. In addition to our top-class service provided by our friendly crew in their stylish new uniforms, we have dressed one of our svelte Embraer E-Jets in an elegant and chic little black number,” said Airlink CEO and Managing Director Rodger Foster.
The aircraft promotes Airlink’s recently launched Skybucks customer loyalty programme.
“Skybucks is a key component in establishing and consolidating Airlink as an independent, efficient and dependable airline, travel partner and brand. Black is the pinnacle Skybucks tier and a cachet reserved exclusively for the select group of our most loyal high-flyers. On the other hand, our graceful black E-jet will surprise and catch eyes wherever she flies!” explained Mr Foster.
About Airlink
Airlink was established in 1992 and is Southern Africa’s premier privately-owned regional airline. Airlink serves these cities and other destinations throughout Southern Africa, Madagascar, and St Helena Island. It offers worldwide connections through its more than 20 interline and four codeshare partners with many trusted and well-known inter-continental brands and its FlyNamibia franchise.
Airlink has consistently been South Africa’s most on-time airline over the last two years*, with its fleet of more than 60 modern jetliners achieving a 94.21% average on-time performance this year.
Airlink is an International Air Transport Association (IATA) member and accredited under its safety audit programme.
Photos: Justin de Reuck/Airlink.
The Grand Rand Airshow 2022
The Grand Rand Airshow, one of Johannesburg’s most favourite airshow on the airshow scene for many years now, finally made its way back after a three year absence.
One of the few airshows that take place on a Sunday, Rand Airport in Germiston is home to many of the South African Airshow performers .
This years show would not be possible to Menno Parsons of Master Power Technologies. Who displayed his beautiful and only airworthy P51D Mustang in South Africa. With a new display routine, Menno also provided his Bell UH-1 Huey as the jump ship for Skydivers as the opening slot of the program.
Alister Brown from National Airways Corporation (NAC) and Menno also flew a dual helicopter Bell 407 display. The helicopter duo was also joined by Nigel Hopkins in the Iveco Sponsored Extra 330 and hovered just like the helicopters momentarily. Menno also raced a formula f1 car vs his Bell 407.
Capital Sounds Brian Emmenis provided sound and commentary for the show as he is known as Mr Airshow South Africa.
The Puma Flying Lions Harvards flew their roaring radial display. The Harvard’s also joined up by two Extra 300s for a new display combining both teams. The team also did a missing man formation for the South African Police Airwing Pilatus Porter a few days before the show, unfortunately five people lost their lives.
The Hired Gun Coffee Pitts display led by Scullly Levin. The Goodyear Pitts Specials flew their four ship display as they were also present at the Children’s Flight on Friday at Orient airfield near Magaliesburg.
Patrick Davidson displayed his RedBull sponsored Gamebird for the first time on the highveld. Barrie Eels and Elton Bondi flew competition aerobatics in two Extra 330s.
The Classic Flying Collection from Springs airfield flew a two ship Tiger Moth display by Grant Timms and Steve Brown, later they flew three Chipmunks led by Rodney Chinn.
Jason Beamish also a flew a Chipmunk solo display. Nigel and Jason Beamish also flew the Iveco Extra 330 high energy display.
Andre van Zyl who flies the best Gyrocopter display one can see at an Airshow in his Magni Gyrocopter. Henley Air provided a Bell 230/222 display consisting of six helicopters. Biggest formation of its type seen at an airshow ever.
Pierre Gouws flew Richard Lovetts L39ZA ZU-IBN which is based at Middelburg Airfield, Mpumalanga. Pierre also led the Raptors RV team with close formation aerobatics.
Airlink did their first Airshow display at Rand Airport in an Embraer E190 flown by Jaco Henning. Was great to see an airliner put through it paces, as we remember days gone by as we saw Boeing 747s,737s and Airbus A340s also at past Rand Airport Airshows.
Ivan and Jeandre van der Schaar flew a Boeing Stearman and RC Extra 300 display
A first for South African Airshows.
A big well done to all role players behind making the Rand Airport Airshow happen. Airshow South Africa Rikus Erasmus as show director, Colonel Retired Francois ‘Hose’ Hanekom as safety director and all other’s at ASSA,and Rand Airport Manegment, media houses,vendors and exhibitors for directing a safe rand airshow once again.
See you next year Rand Airport Airshow. For now we see you all at Africa Aerospace & Defence at AFB Waterkloof 21-25 September 2022.
Pictures by Jarryd Sinovich,Flippie van Emmenis,Anton Wannenburg & Capital Sounds
AIRLINK CONFIRMS SELECTION OF ROLLS-ROYCE TOTALCARE FOR ENGINE SERVICING
Rolls-Royce and Airlink have signed a TotalCare® service agreement for the AE3007 engines that power the South African airline’s fleet of Embraer ERJ135 aircraft. The agreement, which covers 28 aircraft, is an extension of service for a further 10 years, continuing the airline’s drive to maximise aircraft availability.
Airlink CEO, Rodger Foster, said; “Airlink and Rolls-Royce have worked hand in hand since the introduction of the ERJ135 to our fleet in May 2001. We operate 28 ERJs with a pool of 64 AE3007-A1/3 engines. We are proud of the phenomenal reliability we have achieved from these engines which have underpinned Airlink’s industry leading on-time performance, which has consistently been above 97%. Our TotalCare service agreement has been key to the management of engine maintenance costs and to ensuring the economic sustainability of the ERJ135 type for the foreseeable future. We are delighted at the dependability of the Rolls-Royce team and their engines.”
In 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Airlink carried more than 2 million customers on more than 63,000 flights. Airlink currently operates a reduced route network to more than 45 destinations in 12 African countries, whilst remaining agile to the effects of Covid-19 and associated travel restrictions. Airlink was proudly the most punctual South African airline for 2020; its year-to-date performance up to August 2021 has been 98.1% on-time.
“Our partnership with Airlink goes back to 2001 and this TotalCare extension is a testament to our strong working relationship and mutual trust of one another,” said Stewart Evans, Rolls-Royce, Vice President, Customers Europe Middle East & Africa, “I’m especially proud of the way both teams have worked closely together during the pandemic to manage maintenance costs effectively for both parties whilst enhancing our service offering at the same time. The entire team at Rolls-Royce is honoured to be able to serve Airlink and their customers for many more years to come.”
TotalCare is the flagship integrated engine service cover provided by Rolls-Royce. It is designed for predictive maintenance planning, as well as off-wing repair and overhaul activities for operators of Rolls-Royce aero engines. TotalCare transfers both time-on-wing and maintenance cost risks back to Rolls-Royce, as well as offering advanced engine health monitoring and future product enhancements.
Aircraft covered by TotalCare achieve higher availability, increased long-term residual values, and benefit from the global Rolls-Royce Care Network; a large, capable and competitive engine service network that caters for the needs of engines at every point in their lifecycle.
About Airlink
Airlink is an independent privately-owned, full-service premium regional airline, serving a comprehensive network of destinations throughout Southern Africa. The airline is the largest in Southern Africa when measured by flight movements and emphasises reliability of service whilst maximising choice and travel opportunities for its customers. Airlink has more than 50 commercial jetliners operating throughout Southern Africa. Airlink is a member of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit program) accredited.
Largest aircraft to date lands at St Helena Airport
St Helena Island is known for the abundance of life and beauty on this remote South Atlantic Ocean island. It is loved for the opportunities to swim with its whale sharks, explore historic wrecks and walk or mountain bike its unique landscapes.
South African Airlink who fly on a regular basis with their Embraer E190 aircraft as the first commercial air service to utilize the airport.A number of other aircraft have landed at the Saint Helena Airport international airport on Saint Helena, a remote island in the south Atlantic Ocean, in the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. The construction of the runway was finished in 2015 and the airport opened in 2016.
A South African Air force C130BZ has also landed at St Helena on route to Cuba on a task last year and on other occasions.Also other military aircraft including a Royal Air force C130J.
Titan Airways flew the Boeing 757 as part of a repatriation mission. The was bringing citizens back to the UK from Saint Helena. On the way back, the aircraft made a stop in Accra, Ghana, before heading back to London Stansted (STN).
The aircraft’s arrival was a big deal for the airport. This was the largest commercial jet to land in Saint Helena. The plane came in and landed on runway 20 from the north.
The arrival was successful. Pilots were able to get the aircraft and its passengers on the ground safely. After arrival, the plane spent a night on the ground before heading out to London via Accra the next day.
The genesis of St Helena Airport has been almost as turbulent as the notorious wind shear that plagues it,resulting to many aircraft go around!
Ladysmith Aviation Career Expo & Airshow 2019
Kwa-Zulu Natal got to see their second airshow in the province this year after Newcastle Airshow during the early period of the South African Airshow calendar . Ladysmith was the chosen airport to host the Aviation Career expo and airshow on the 25th and 26th October 2019,with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) supporting the whole event.
The Ladysmith Airfield goes back many years and with the Ladysmith Hotel in close proximity, the actual hotel was the airfields old terminal building which was opened by Brigadier C.G Ross,C.BE.,D.F.C on the 26th October 1950. The airfield is home to a small flight school and hangers other small aircraft for private use.
Friday 25th October youth from surrounding school in Ladysmith and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province got to know more about the aviation industry through the help of Civil Aviation Authority providing an Awareness drive to the children with talks by pilots, engineers and getting to network with display pilots in preparation for the following days airshow.
Free to the public was this years Ladysmith airshow, with the South African Airforce Silver Falcons Aerobatic team 83 in formation with Major Geoffrey “Spartan” Cooper in a JAS39D Gripen. Major Omphile Matloane possibly completing his last airshow display as Falcon one as he will be moving on to instruct on helicopters at 87 Helicopter Flying School in Bloemfontein next year.
The Silver Falcons completed their display with two training livery aircraft from, Central Flying School at Airforce Base Langebaanweg in the Western Cape.Falcon 8 Capital Sounds Brian Emmenis produced the commentary for their show and all other display acts of the day.
The three jet display were part of the exciting program with the roar of the might 2 Squadron Gripen in which we saw two different gripens during the course of the day. In the morning we had ‘3905’ JAS39D dual seater and in the afternoon the solo display with ‘3916’ which was again put through its paces by Geoffrey “Spartan” Cooper. The Gripen operated out of Airforce Base Waterkloof in Pretoria as made it to Ladysmith within 20 minutes of flight time!
Glen Warden flew the L29 Delphin, an ex eastern block jet trainer and Airlink displayed one of their Embraer E190s which made brilliant photo opportunities as one doesn’t see a airliner fly in Ladysmith everyday .
The Goodyear Eagles Pitts display team flew their four ship display, Team Extreme was present with 3 aircraft and once again showed off their famous knife edge passes before heading back to Rand Airport as large thunder storms closed the show off.
The South African Airforce also had a 17 Squadron Agusta A109LUH on static display. A 44 Squadron Casa 212 flew some of the lucky youth on Saturday morning before the show by Major Nick Green, Major Ashley Naxhe and Flight Saregent Jaques De Kock.
“Little Annie” an Antonov An2 flown by Jon-Marc Hill and Ryan Smith were the jump ship for this show and dropped some of the Adventure Skydiving members, with Ralph Ridge flying South Africa’s biggest flag.
André van Zyl flew his Magni Gyrocopter display and most probably the best Gyrocopter display. André has now displayed both in South Africa,Botswana and recently Mozambique!
Flying Display Director from Airshow South Africa “ASSA” Rickus Erasmus,Safety director Colonel Francois “Hose” Hanekom, Ramp Controller Cliff Lotter and Louise Hofmeyr as airshow programme director.
Well done to Ms Poppy Khoza and her team at the South African Civil Aviation Authority on providing a great variety of aircraft for a CAA Airshow. We look forward to the last show of the year at Polokwane as part of International Civil Aviation Day ‘ICAD’,which will also form part of an airshow.
I Can Dream – Newcastle Air Show 2019
The Newcastle Air Show in KwaZulu-Natal, which is the only airshow in KZN, was held on Saturday the 1st June 2019, for the ninth year running. With the theme “I can Dream”, the show encouraged participation from the community with free entrance and focused on the youth, which saw a lot of school children attending the show. It is fantastic to see the local community being considered and the drive to encourage the youth into the aviation world.
With lots of food stands available, there was also lots of activities and stands to keep the public busy, including a virtual reality stand, military and air force stands, motor bike stunts and even an South African Air Force Agusta A109 static display.
The show opened to a parachute drop with a huge South African flag, whilst the Newcastle High School Choir performed the national anthem for the twelve and half thousand strong crowd. It was a very special moment as the choir timed it to perfection with the flag landing as they completed the anthem.
This was followed by an impressive display by the Silver Falcons. Team 82 of the Silver Falcons performed their display, lead by Major Omphile Matloane in Falcon 1, with team members Falcon 2 Major Tiaan Stander, Falcon 3 Major Sivu Tangana, Falcon 4 Bheki Shabangu and GLO Captain Xander Albasini.
(Photo by Brian Emmenis)
The Puma Flying Lions followed with their display showing off the Harvard T6 aircraft capabilities in the fabulously clear skies over Newcastle. Leading the team was Scully Levin with team members Arnie Meneghelli and Sean Thackwray.
Gary Whitecross performed a graceful aerobatic display with his glider.
Nigel Hopkins took to the clear skies with an impressive aerobatic display, showing the crowd the capabilities of the Extra 330.
The tradition of racing a plane against a car was taken to a new level this year when Nigel Hopkins raced the Extra 300 against a dragster. 
A parachute drop from the SAAF 44 Sqaudron CASA C212 AVIOCAR by the Golden Eagles parachute team kept the crowd entertained.
A SAAF 2 Squadron JAS39D Gripen flown by Major Lee-Roy “Shinobi” Goosen and navigator LT Col Marc “Bluebird” Wilson wowed the crowd with a very fast paced display. The speed and noise from the fighter jet always gets peoples attention and creates a lot of excitement. This was third appearance of the Gripen at the Newcastle air shows and for the second year in a row.
The iconic Pitts Specials of the Goodyear Eagles team performed their aerobatic routine, which is always a great display to watch. The four ship team was lead by Glen Warden with team members Johan van Solms, Dennis Spence and Jason Beamish.
A Magni Gyrocopter flown by Andre van Zyl was next up and he put the gyrocopter through an impressive display showing just how maneuverable the gyrocopter is.
Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his Extra 300 in an aerobatic routine that certainly impressed everyone.
An Embraer E190 from Airlink surprised the crowd with an appearance, giving the crowd a good close up look at the jet.
Team Xtreme put on a high energy aerobatic display which really had the crowd going. They performed their routine which included the signature knife-edge fly past and a double knife-edge (two aircraft together) and if that was not enough, they did a double knife-edge side by side!
Lunch time saw the runway being used for some drag races.
After lunch saw the L29 flown by Glen Warden put through it’s paces. Always a good display of this fine jet.
The Raptor RV’s took to the skies and performed a great display for the crowd.
Ivan van der Schaar flew his Randolph sponsored Boeing Stearman, adding a touch of the olden day pilots with an impressive scarf!
The Goodyear Eagles with the Pitts Specials gave the crowd another beautiful display of aerobatic showmanship.
The Raptor RV’s then paired up with Team Xtreme to show us just how good they are, with an impressive 8 aircraft flying their display in very close formation. Truly a sight to behold.
The aircraft then split up with Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish giving the crowd some more precision flying demonstrations which included a few more signature double knife edge passes down the runway.
The iconic World War 2 fighter P51 Mustang, Mustang Sally flown by Menno Parsons showed the crowd the might and speed of this beautiful aircraft. The whistling of the air over the gun barrels always makes an impression to remember.
The Glider flown by Gary Whitecross took to the skies to give us a graceful display of flight. Barrie Eeles gave us a solo display in his Extra 330.Good to see Barrie back at Airshows once again!
The South African Airforce display team, the Silver Falcons gave us a late afternoon display. Always a great crowd pleaser and their stunningly professional display did not disappoint.
Closing the show was a parachute drop at sunset which was stunningly beautiful against the setting sun.
A huge congratulations to the organisers on achieving an attendance of over 12 000 people! The entire airshow committee lead by Johan Pieters worked hard to give us a great show and they gave us a winner! A big thank you to Christo Van Der Vyver and all the airshow committee members for their hard work. The Air Show director Rikus Erasmus, Safety Director and SAAF safety officer Col Francois “Hose” Hanekom,Grant Timms as Ramp Controller, ATC for keeping everything running smoothly and safely. All the pilots and ground crews, all the emergency and police services keep the public and crews safe.
Thanks to Mark Mansfield for managing the media and to Capital Sounds, Brian Emmenis and his team that gave excellent Airshow commentary and the sound that was heard nice and clear throughout and to the South African Air force providing aircraft and promoting and restoring National pride to our country. To all the stakeholders who sponsored the show, this last paragraph is for all the unsung hero’s mentioned above who make these country Airshows possible. We look forward to the 10 year anniversary of the Newcastle Airshow next year.
ABSA Lowveld Airshow 2019
Some of the Aviation Central media arrived Friday afternoon from Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria and others on Saturday morning with some validations happening before the large crowds flocked to the airfield for an airshow that has won numerous airshow awards.
The skies over the old Nelspruit airfield were once again filled with aerobatic display teams, vintage aircraft, helicopters, jets and jet airliners to name a few. This years show had a different twist of the program with the theme fast and furious, the show started in the afternoon and had no repeats of display acts during the course of the afternoon with airboss Johan Heine keeping a watchful eye on display teams.
Capitals Sounds Brian Emmenis and his team provided commentary in between the battle of the DJs with Jacaranda who partnered up with airshow Organisers Kishugu and sponsor Absa for a different vibe to the Lowveld airshow during display acts. Before the airshow started, the Lowveld Model Aircraft Club (LOMAC) provided remote control (RC) aircraft displays with their different scales of aircraft in their club, For new photographers to Aviation, its a good learning curve to capture Rc aircraft.
The show opened with BMW Motorcycles revving down the runway, just before a paradrop with different member’s of the skydiving community on the airshow scene, their jump ship was ‘Little Annie’ an Antonov two flown by Jon-Marc Hill and Colonel Keith Fryer. The An2 also led the vintage formation and dropped a large amount of marshmallows for
children aspiring to be pilots one day. The Yak18T which was also flown in the formation by spotter pilot, Riaan Prinsloo. Comair Boeing 737 Captain Ivan van der Schaar flew his Randolph sponsored Boeing Stearman. Danie Terblanche flew the ‘crazy pilot display’ in the well known STOL capability Husky.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as well as South African National Parks put together A mock battle with poachers and members of the SANDF coming into contact with each other a patrol. The put on act just shows what happens on a daily occurrence in the Kruger National Park and South Africa’s borders. The South African Airforce was unfortunately not present at this years show, due to the countries inauguration taking place on the 25th May later this month. Air Force Base Hoedspruit exhibited some of the SAAFs duties in the form of life boats, dummy bombs, etc in one of the hangers.
A total of five Extra 300 series aircraft were at the airshow, Nashua sponsored Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his solo display in his Extra 300LP. Arnie Meneghelli and Ellis Levin flew the first double inverted ribbon cut in the world at an airshow. Team Extreme had both Nigel Hopkins in his Extra 330 and Jason Beamish in his new Extra 330, they joined up with Mark Sampson in his newly painted Sbach and Mark Hensman in his MX2 for the full Team Extreme display. The Raptor RVs with the new number five Johan von Solms completing his first display.
Two Pitts Special display teams flew their usual routine,The Cows put up a threeship with Captain Scully Levins daughter Sally Bates flying one of the aircraft,not many women airshow display pilots on the airshow scene. Nigel Hopkins led the Goodyear Eagles sponsored Pitts Specials with Johan von Solms and Jason Beamish. A light aircraft display consisted of two Bathawks and two Kitfox’s showed the short takeoff capability’s and a asset in the bushveld area.
Jet display’s by a L39 ZU-IBN owned by Middelburg’s Richard Lovett and flown by Pierre Gouws joined up with Mike Weingartz in the Impala MK1 ZU-IMP. The Airlink Embraer E190, flew a beautiful tight display. Airlink have displayed at most Nelspruit airshows now, and the E190 is definitely a crowd favourite.
Helicopter displays included a Gazelle flown by Juba Jourbert who raced to Jaguar cars, he also joined up with a Airbus Helicopters H125,Bell Huey and a Enstrom. We don’t often see such choppers in a display like we did. It was like a licorice all sorts formation. Three Working on Fire Hueys flew a sunset display with the use of two bambi buckets throwing water in show centre. The Flying Lions ended the display flying with a sunset show mixed with pyrotechnics to end another safe airshow.
We would like to thanks Monica Fourie, Naranda Leeuwener and the rest of Kishugu for taking the time to keep the media up to date with the show months before. Also big thank you to StayEasy Emnotweni, Nelspruit for the wonderful accommodation!
Till next year, Thanks Nelspruit for the support!
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