Typhoon blows in for Sunderland Airshow

The RAF Typhoon Display Team will be at the airshow on Friday evening, July 22, and part of the full daytime flying programme on the Saturday and Sunday.

Sunderland City Council deputy leader Coun Harry Trueman said: “I am proud to see that the RAF is, as ever, well represented at this year’s airshow. The flying programme they bring showcases the training, excellence and professionalism of its personnel both on the ground and in the air.”

In addition to the Typhoon, the Red Arrows are due on Friday and Saturday, plus the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flies on the Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday.

Other teams taking part on Saturday and Sunday are: RAF Falcons, Royal Navy Black Cats, The Blades, Norwegian historic Flight MiG 15 and Vampires, OV-10 Bronco, Curtis P40 Warhawk and P51 Mustang and the stunning Fairey Swordfish from the Royal Navy Historic Flight.

“I’m particularly looking forward to the Typhoon display ‘bringing the noise’ as it powers through the skies above our beaches,” said Coun Trueman.

“I encourage everyone to go along to this fantastic event and welcome all the teams to our great city.”

Typhoon FGR4 display pilot Flight Lieutenant Mark Long said: “The Typhoon has been operational with the RAF for almost ten years now and has a keen following among aviation enthusiasts and public alike.

“The team are really looking forward to coming back to Sunderland this year. Our display manager Jonny Dowen was the Typhoon pilot who flew here last year and he’s told me to expect a huge crowd and a fantastic Sunderland welcome along your stunning seafront display line.

“The Typhoon is a hugely impressive fighter aircraft and a real crowd pleaser, rest assured I will be doing everything I can to deliver a memorable display.”

A programme of supporting events, attractions and funfair and the new Food Village will also be on-site. There will be a launch event at Cliffe Park on the Friday evening. Starting with an official opening by the Mayor of Sunderland at 6pm, there will be flying, live music and the traditional fireworks to close at 10pm.

The weekend continues with the site open from 10am on both Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 with the event closing at 6pm on both days.

Airshow Director Sue Stanhope said: “This year’s airshow line-up is really shaping up with some premier teams.

“We know that the Typhoon display is a hugely popular attraction and we are delighted that, despite its busy operational commitments, it will be here in Sunderland.

“There will of course be lots of attractions on the ground and there will even be a mock up Typhoon to sit in so you can see what it’s like from the inside.”