MiG added to Wales National Airshow line-up

Another exciting display has been added to the line-up for this summer’s Wales National Airshow.

Swansea Council has now confirmed that the MiG-15 UTI will be flying in the skies above Swansea Bay during the weekend of July 2 and July 3.

The aircraft is painted and marked as Red 18 to represent Russian-Soviet pilot and cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s MiG-15. Gagarin, who in 1961 became the first human to journey into outer space, was originally a fighter pilot stationed close to Russia’s border with Norway.

The MiG-15, which can reach speeds of over 1,000 km/h, is now flown by the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron. The plane was operational in conflicts including the Korean War and the Suez Canal crisis.

Trade Centre Wales has also now come on board as the Wales National Airshow’s main sponsor.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The Wales National Airshow, the best free event of its kind in the country, is now just three weeks away.

“We have a really exciting air display lined up for this year and the addition of the MiG-15 enhances that even further. We’re also delighted to confirm and welcome the Trade Centre Wales as the event’s main sponsor for 2016.

“There’s a huge amount of work involved behind the scenes in organising a world class event of this scale for local residents and visitors to Swansea Bay. The Wales National Airshow is one of the highlight events of the Enjoy Swansea Bay programme of events and activities. It’s great news for Swansea people and Swansea businesses, helping pump millions of pounds into the local economy over the course of a single weekend.”

Mark Bailey, Chairman of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “Myself and the team at The Trade Centre Wales are incredibly proud to be able to sponsor the Wales National Airshow 2016. The event coincides with the opening of our brand new flagship outlet North of Cardiff on the A470 that same weekend, which I’m sure will take the business to new heights. With the event looking to build on the 170,000 attending last year, the Airshow provides an incredible platform from which to promote Swansea Bay as one of the best coastal destinations in the UK.”

Other displays already confirmed for the Airshow are the Breitling Wingwalkers, the Tigers parachute team, the Red Arrows, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Bronco Demo Team, Team Yakovlevs and Team Raven.

The official WNAS16 App, available on iPhone, Android and Windows phones, is still available for the early bird price of £1.49 until midnight on June 20. It’s been launched to help keep Wales National Airshow fans up to speed with this summer’s free event.

Features include a dynamic timetable of displays that will be updated in real-time on the days of the airshow, live news, information on aircraft and ground displays, links to other events and hotels, as well as details of special offer discounts at Swansea restaurants and other events.

A special offers section contains several discount vouchers that can be redeemed at a number of hotels, restaurants and attractions around Swansea. By purchasing the app, spectators will also be helping to sustain the Airshow on an annual basis.

Car parking spaces in the city centre fill up quickly due to the popularity of the event, so it’s also now possible to book premium parking at the Recreation Ground. All day parking is available at £16.50 per car, per day. The Recreation Ground car park, open from 9am to 7pm on both days of the Airshow, is located right next to the main ground display area.

Visit www.walesnationalairshow.com for information on premium parking and the app.