Nelspruit relaunched airshow back with a bang
The Airshow has been relaunched after ten long years thanks to the support of the nearby Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
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MBOMBELA – Those magnificent men and their flying machines the Eqstra Flying Lions will take to the skies this Saturday at the Nelspruit Airshow which will see a host of modern day and vintage aircraft grace the Mpumalanga skies.
The Airshow has been relaunched after ten long years thanks to the support of the nearby Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. This new look event will therefore take place at the Nelspruit Airfield which will provide a spectacular backdrop to the show.
The undisputed highlight of the day will be a display from the world famous Eqstra Flying Lions one of the country’s leading formation teams. Having been on the aerobatic circuit for the last 15 years they are now firm, crowd favourites.
Their performance at this year’s show will be no different thanks to piloting great Scully Levin alongside team members Arnie Meneghelli at number two, Ellis Levin at number three and Sean Thackwray in the solo position. Together they’ll skilfully manoeuvre their vintage Harvard aircraft into a series of formations that display the grace and agility that are synonymous with these World War II greats.
Scully says it’s very exciting that a passion for aviation has been revived in the Nelspruit area.
“Saturday’s event marks the revival of the area’s rich aeronautical heritage. Aviation is an important aspect of the Mpumalanga’s growth and public awareness generated by airshows such as this, is invaluable for the broader economic success of the province.”
As always, the Flying Lions display is made possible by JSE-listed Eqstra. CEO Walter Hill says;
“Our sponsorship of the flying Lions has proven to be a perfect match with our brand values of strength and loyalty to our customers. As a result of this synergy, it has created excellent awareness of the Eqstra brand in a positive, family friendly setting.”
As such, Eqstra is proud to be associated with an event that’s synonymous with the signature drone of aircraft engines and the quintessentially South African smell of braais permeating the air, making it a wonderful day out in the autumn sunshine for the whole family. To ensure this kind of atmosphere, and promote attendance at the show, ticket prices have deliberately been kept as affordable as possible.
Presale tickets will be R80 for adults and R40 for scholars, while pre-schoolers enter for free. Tickets will also be available at the gate at a cost of R100 for adults and R50 for scholars.
How can you say after 10 years? I grew up in Nelspruit and can remember air shows in the sixties. As well as 1983 or 84.
Can you go back so far and refresh my memory with stories?