Biggin Hill Air Fair News & Updates
Air Fair 2009
Tuesday 24th June 2008
Next years show will be held on the 27th & 28th June 2009
Air Fair 2008 DVD's
Tuesday 10th June 2008
For those wanting to purchase the Biggin Hill Air fair 2008 DVD, please see www.planestv.com and pre-book now.
Great Day 1
Saturday 07th June 2008
Day 1 of this years air show has been a huge success. The award for best individual display was awarded to the French Air Force Mirage 2000 and the best team trophy to the Spitfire and Mustang flown by Paul Bonhomme and Nigel Lamb. We had some difficulties with traffic this morning cuased by a broken water main, two road traffic accidents and a broken down lorry. However the exit plan worked. Many thanks to all that attended and we are looking forward to a great Sunday.
TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE GATE
Thursday 05th June 2008
You can buy your ticket on the gate either Saturday or Sunday, £21 adults, £7 children 15 & under (5 & under free), Family (2 adults & 3 children) £47- Car parking free
Visiting Light Aircraft - Satellite Airport
Saturday 31st May 2008
Due to limited runway capacity during the show, Biggin Hill unfortunately cannot accept visiting light aircraft from Friday 6th midday to Sunday 8th June close.
Special arrangements, including transport to and from the show, have been made with Harvard Aviation to use Redhill Airfield nearby. Lower prices are available for advanced bookings with minimal deposit required to cater for bad weather preventing arrival on the booked day Click here for information and forms. or call dedicated Biggin Hill arrivals line on 0845 869 0854 or emailing bigginhill@flightpro.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Monday 26th May 2008
Q. What time do the gates open?
A. The gate opening time is published as being 9:00 am however dependant on the traffic build up in the area they may be opened earlier.
Q. Are tickets valid either day?
A. Yes they are valid EITHER day but not both days.
Q. Are there any concessions?
A. We will continue to try to keep the price of all tickets as low as possible, having reduced them in 2004, and only minor price increases since. We do not therefore have any concession tickets.
Q. What time does the flying display start and finish?
A. The display will start at 11:30 am and finish at 5:30 pm each day.
Q. Is parking free?
A.Yes parking is included in the price of the entry ticket.
Q. Are dogs allowed in?
A. Dogs are not permitted, this is for the welfare of dogs, due to the noise levels of some of the display items. It could also be a hazard to aircraft should a dog enter the operational area of the airport.
Q. Is there a disabled viewing area?
A. Yes, an area is set aside for disabled badge holders to park their cars close to the front line, however space is limited and is on a first come first served basis.
Q. Are BBQ's allowed?
A. No they are not permitted on the airport.
Q. Is there a cash point in the showground?
A. Yes, it is located next to the grandstand.
Q. Can I meet some of the display pilots?
A. Yes, the majority of the display pilots will be available to chat to in the meet the pilots tent after they have displayed.
Q. Are the catering prices the same thoughout the showground?
A. Yes, the prices for the main items sold in the catering areas is published in the programme, should you be overcharged please report it to one of the showground safety staff.
Advance Tickets - Final Week
Monday 26th May 2008
Just to remind you that the advance ticket office closes this Friday. Telephone and online bookings will be accepted up until 5pm on the 30th May. There is now only limited space available for the Grandstand on the Saturday.
British Eagle DC6
Friday 23rd May 2008
We are pleased to announce an addition to the show the British Eagle DC6 operated by Air Atlantique. This will be the first opportunity for the public to see the DC 6 sporting its new livery on the ground. Eagle was the biggest civilian contributor to the Berlin Airlift, flying out of Blackbushe and then Hamburg to the beleaguered city. Though too young to have taken part herself, in this important 60th anniversary year of the Berlin Airlift G-APSA is the only airworthy aircraft from the Eagle fleet and thus a fitting tribute to the civilian men and women who did so much during that epic event.
STATEMENT FROM THE VULCAN TO THE SKY TRUST
Friday 23rd May 2008
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust were very much looking forward to the (proposed and) long awaited appearance of Vulcan XH558 at the Biggin Hill Airshow over the weekend of 7th and 8th June, and are extremely aware of the huge public interest that would be created by the much anticipated return of the aircraft to this famous Airfield.
It is, however, with great regret, that we have to announce that this will not now be possible, because we have not yet received our Permit to Fly from the Civil Aviation Authority. The Vulcan has been the subject of a comprehensive and wide-ranging Test programme, and this is an integral and vital part of returning her to flying status. We are now nearing the completion of these tests and this will result in the award of the Permit (and allow us to work towards Display Authorisation).
The Permit to Fly is an extremely important document, because it gives us the regulatory authority to display the aircraft at public events, such as Airshows. The Trust are (extremely) disappointed that the Vulcan will not be able to appear at Biggin Hill and that the public will not be able to see this iconic and much-loved aircraft at the event. However, we firmly believe that it is most important that all of the processes and procedures required to return XH558 to the public domain are in place and that (both) the aircraft (and the crew who fly her) fully adhere(s) to the thorough and stringent requirements and standards of the Civil Aviation Authority.
However we look forward to hopefully having the opportunity of bringing Vulcan XH558 - the people’s aircraft - to Biggin Hill in 2009.
ONLY 2 WEEKS TO GO !!!
Friday 23rd May 2008
We now have a full flying programme which will start at around 11:30 am and finish at 5.30 pm with the traditional flight of a solo Spitfire. There really is something in the display for everyone, from the 1909 Bleriot to the RAF Typhoon. Unfortunately we will not be seeing the B17 “Sally B” due to an engine failure last week; we wish them a speedy return to the air show circuit. A late and welcome addition to the static park are two F16’s of the Danish Air Force returning for the first time in 8 years.
The Indian Air Force Helicopter display team have now left India for their first stop in Europe, Berlin and we look forward to welcoming them here for the start of their UK tour.
Another new item that has been added recently is the Red Bull duo of Paul Bonhomme and Nigel Lamb who have exchanged their Red Bull racers for a Spitfire and Mustang, both have appeared at Biggin with numerous types of aircraft but this is the first time we have seen the pair together flying these iconic warbirds.
Fly in a Breitling Jet
Friday 09th May 2008
The History Channel has teamed up with Breitling UK to give you the chance to win the flight of your life with the world-famous Breitling Jet Team. This action-packed prize will see you fly with the Breitling team in a modern day fighter jet over Biggin Hill during their performance on Friday June 6. The next day you and a friend will enjoy the air show at the exclusive VIP Breitling Club, up close to all the aircraft and pilots in the best seats in the house.
For further information on how to enter go to www.thehistorychannel.co.uk/bigginhill.
New Air Fair Photo Gallery
Thursday 08th May 2008
If, like us, you cant wait for this year's Biggin Hill International Air Fair then why not take a look at our new photo gallery which shows just a small number of the many highlights and display participants that will be visiting the Air Fair this year?
You'll also find some photos taken of the showground at previous Air Fairs, as well as a few shots of display acts from the past couple of years.
UK Debut For Indian AF Helicopter Display Team
Thursday 24th April 2008
We are pleased to announce that this year's show will see the first appearance in the UK by the Indian Air Force Helicopter Display Team. They will be flying four Dhruv advanced light helicopters, which are highly decorated with peacocks, the national bird of India.
Ticket Office 2008
Monday 17th March 2008
Advance tickets may now be purchased though our ticket office. You can book both entry and grandstand tickets by clicking the link "Show Tickets" and making your purchase either online or by calling the ticket office.
RAF Participation
Friday 18th January 2008
We are pleased to confirm that the show has once again been given Priority 1 status by the RAF. It will be the only venue in the South East where all available display aircraft and the RAF Role Demonstration will be on display. For the latest display participants please see our Display Aircraft page.
Vulcan Returns
Thursday 17th January 2008
The Avro Vulcan Bomber will be appearing at this years show, the last time this iconic cold war bomber appeared was with the RAF in 1992. A dedicated team under the leadership of Robert Pleming and with lottery funding have achieved what many said was impossible. If you would like to support the Vulcan to the Sky project or simple to follow the aircrafts progress go to www.tvoc.co.uk.
Appearance is subject to serviceability.