International Edge To Air Force's Ohakea Air Show

Modern day aircraft from six nations will join Mustangs and Spitfires of the past at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 75th Anniversary Air Show next month.

Major international Air Forces including the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia; Republic of Singapore Air Force; Royal Air Force; Royal Australian Air Force; United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps will join the Royal New Zealand Air Force to showcase superb flying and ground displays at Ohakea.

“They will be here to help celebrate the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 75th birthday at a spectacular Air Show at Ohakea Air Base on Saturday 31 March,” said Air Commodore Steve Moore.

The Royal Australian Air Force F-18s will provide some spectacular fighter jet flying displays, rarely seen in this country. They will also display a C-130J Hercules and a Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.

The United States Air Force will bring a C-17 Globemaster. The Republic of Singapore Air Force will display one of their C-130 and the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia will showcase their CASA 235 twin-engine transport aircraft. In addition the US Marine Corps will have on display a KC-130 Hercules air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The Royal Air Force has confirmed their involvement but not yet the aircraft type that will take part.

The RNZAF military aircraft of the past, present and future will also be on show to the public for the first time since 2009 as well as a stunning range of civilian and vintage aircraft, including Spitfires and a Mustang, to mark 75 years of the RNZAF.

“The RNZAF will showcase its new A109 and NH90 helicopters, the upgraded C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orions, and our other military aircraft. The Red Checkers will also demonstrate their aerial expertise.”

“It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s birthday,” said Air Commodore Steve Moore.

There will be something for everyone from flying displays, ground displays, the RNZAF’s newest aircraft and training devices and entertainment.


75th Anniversary

April 2012 marks 75 years of service to New Zealand for the Air Force as an independent armed service.

While the Air Force becomes a modern 21st century Air Force with the introduction of new and upgraded aircraft fleets, 75 years provides the milestone for New Zealand to celebrate the RNZAF’s proud heritage and culture and showcase the work our Air Force has done and the role our airmen and women play in this country and the region.

Just as it has met the challenges of the past 75 years, New Zealand’s Air Force today is well equipped to meet the challenges of the coming decades.