Chinook helicopter to return for Swansea Airshow

A CHINOOK helicopter will be taking to Swansea skies this summer.

It’s now been confirmed the helicopter will form part of the Wales National Airshow being held in the city on the weekend of July 11 and July 12.

Swansea Council is behind the Wales National Airshow.

Also already confirmed is the return of the Red Arrows on both days thanks to sponsorship and support from Swansea University. Other highlights will include a Eurofighter Typhoon as well as two spitfires and a Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Chinook, with a top speed of about 200 mph, was designed and initially produced in the early 1960s. It’s one of very few aircraft from that era that remain in production and frontline service, having been used in conflicts stretching from the Vietnam War to more recent skirmishes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A mock version of the helicopter will also be available on the promenade during the Airshow.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “This latest confirmation is yet more good news for fans of the Wales National Airshow that further shows why this event is such a key highlight of our Enjoy Swansea summer events programme this year.

“We’re once again expecting about 100,000 people a day to flock to the promenade over the event weekend to watch the world class displays unfold in the Swansea sky and make the most of the fantastic range of ground-based entertainment that’s also being organised.

“The Wales National Airshow isn’t just a terrific weekend for local people, visitors to Swansea and aviation enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond – it’s also a major boost to our local businesses because of the sheer volume of spectators it will attract.”

This is the fourth time the Wales National Airshow will have been held in Swansea.

Visit www.walesnationalairshow.com for more information.