Cosford Air Show all set for ‘best displays yet’
Aircraft from around the world are preparing to visit Shropshire for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2019.
Another capacity crowd of 60,000 people is expected at the event, which will feature a six-hour flying display consisting of some of the world’s best aircrafts, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook helicopters and planes from the German navy.
Last year’s event saw a sell-out crowd celebrate 100 years of the service – and 2019’s event will continue the celebrations looking at the role of women within the force and the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Flight Lieutenant Jim Peterson, an RAF Typhoon display pilot, is making his second appearance at the show, which takes place on June 9. After tweaking his previous flight routine from 2018, he says he is preparing to deliver one of his best displays yet.
“This year’s show is 50 per cent different, and 50 per cent better,” he said.
“It’s tighter in every aspect. I’ve had the chance to work on it and the show has less left to right, meaning the crowd will see the jet in front of them for longer periods and the noise will be concentrated in and around the crowd for longer.
“People love the Typhoon, it’s the best aircraft in the world for what it does and it will show people just how agile and powerful it can be. There are set rules and manoeuvres I’m allowed to fly, but the way I string them together is down to me.”
As well as the spectacle in the sky, a number of planes will be grounded for people to hop aboard, speak to their pilots and learn the history behind them.
Cosfood will make its first appearance at the show, offering a range of food and drink, as well as a number of vintage villages celebrating this year’s theme of women within the RAF. Squad Leader Martin McCaffrey, chief of staff for the event, said: “With the recent opening up of all branches and trades to women in the RAF, we’ve got a great opportunity to celebrate the key role they play in the past and future of the force.
“This links with our other theme of integration with our defence partnerships, where our contributions with NATO and the history of the organisation will be celebrated, as well as affirming our future partnership together.
“It’s a privilege to act as the chief of staff for this year, everything’s on track and I cannot wait to deliver what will no doubt be another extraordinary event.”
Tone Baker, station commander at RAF Cosford, said: “It is my privilege to be station manager here and put on this air show for the local and international public each year.
“It’s going to be an incredible event and I’m exceptionally excited about it.”
Entry costs £29 per person, with under 16s free. Tickets must be bought prior to arrival and can be purchased from cosfordairshow.co.uk or by calling 0871 2301083.
