Squadron Leader Jock Maitland, Chairman of organisers Air Displays International, held the very first Air Fair in 1963 at the time of the introduction of the inclusive tour package holiday which led to the rapid growth of low-cost charter airlines. “ We plan to recognise the tremendous achievements of the UK airline and travel industry over the last 40 years who have led the way in low cost travel, now accepted as a normal part of every day life.

Their initiatives are boosting travel and tourism in Europe in a way that has never been seen before” says Squadron Leader Maitland at the launch of the 2006 event. The theme will embrace several famous airliners of yesteryear such as the venerable Douglas DC3 Dakota, a Douglas DC6 powered by four radial engines, the Scottish Aviation Pioneer STOL utility transport of the 1950’s, a twin-engined Percival Pembroke and two fine examples of the de Havilland DH89 Dragon Rapide from the 1930’s. These superbly preserved specimens form part of a large collection of historic aircraft assembled over many years by Mike Collett, Chairman of Air Atlantique, at their Coventry base.

The 5-hour action-packed flying display will also include the latest military jets and helicopters, top European pilots flying breathtaking aerobatic manoeuvres and displays by some of the famous warbirds, including the Spitfire and Hurricane.

A special item will be an aerial tribute to the late Ray Hanna who flew at the Air Fair from his days in the RAF Aerobatic Team ‘The Red Arrows’ in the 1960’s to his memorable, unmatched displays in a Spitfire over 30 years the last of which was in September 2005.

The International Air Fair 2006 is sponsored by The History Channel, LBC News 1152, the New Shopper and Barclays bank plc.