The Blades headline Farnborough International Airshow for 2018

The Blades, one of the world’s most exhilarating aerobatic flying display teams, are announced as the headline act at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, which takes place on the weekend of July 21st and 22nd.

Founded by ex-Red Arrows pilots, the fast-paced and dynamic Blades team will dominate the sky with a bespoke, close-formation aerobatic display that has been designed especially for the Farnborough Airshow. It is set to feature never-seen-before manoeuvers by the team, a high velocity solo display by Blade 4 and heart-stopping head-to-head flying.

Flying a fleet of Extra EA-300s, the four-strong team will, for the first time, use pyrotechnics as part of their display.

Blade 1 and Team Leader, Andy Evans, says: ‘‘This year will be the fifth time The Blades have displayed at Farnborough International Airshow. As the headlining act for 2018, the team is bringing a new look, new pilots and a brand new, bespoke display – a routine just for FIA’18.

Spectators can still expect to see dynamic and exhilarating flying but on a more creative level with the unique addition of pyrotechnics.”

Group Marketing Director for Farnborough International, Andrew Pearcey says: “The Blades are a world-leading aerobatic act that will bring speed, dynamism and incredible skill to this July’s Airshow. This will be our best-ever show, with as much action on the ground as in the sky.

“The Farnborough International Airshow is a great-value weekend full of activities, fun and engagement; from history to space travel, every aspect of flight is at Farnborough.”

The Blades will be at the heart of more than ten hours of flying displays, from the Flying Bulls through to the Harrier Jump Jet, and there is much more still to be to be announced.

More than 80,000 visitors are expected to attend the Airshow over the public weekend making it one of the most popular attractions of the summer, with children under 15 admitted free of charge.

Angelica Bell and Michael Underwood are returning as hosts of Airshow Live for the third time. With cameras at the heart of the flying display, Airshow Live captures all of the action and broadcasts on big screens throughout the site along with a great mix of interviews, activities and show reports.

Other show highlights include:

• • Winchester Science Centre is bringing a range of interactive exhibits, live shows and their mobile planetarium for a trip across the galaxy.
  • A dedicated Space Zone revealing even more about the solar system.
  • Brooklands Museum Pavilion will be running a range of activities as well as showcasing a selection of vintage aircraft.
  • The Futures and Innovation Zone is an opportunity to be inspired by innovative technology, and learn about the careers and opportunities available in aerospace
  • Children aged 15 and under are admitted free.

A major focus for the Farnborough Airshow is engaging the next generation. Few other industries can match aerospace for technological development and on Friday 20 July, the Airshow opens for Futures Day, inviting groups from universities, schools and colleges to visit free, meet the experts and understand how STEM subjects are used by industry.

To celebrate the centenary of the RAF, the RAF 100 is the show’s official charity partner.