More than 30,000 people enjoyed an aviation display of international standards at the largest ever Foynes Air Show, supported by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), today.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD was among the crowd that looked to the clear skies over west Limerick at a unique display of 16 awe-inspiring acts by 30 aircraft.
Speaking at the Foynes Air Show, Taoiseach Varadkar said, “I was delighted to be back in Foynes today for the 4th annual air show. This airshow is the largest ever held along the west coast of Ireland is the perfect way to celebrate the rich aviation history of Foynes and its location on the Wild Atlantic Way.
“The air show is a great event and I thoroughly enjoyed what was a spectacular display, I look forward to seeing the expanded Foynes Flying Boat museum and the Air Show continue to play a major role n the future of tourism in the Shannon region”
Skilled military pilots from across Europe flying some of the world’s most high tech, quickest, state of the art planes shared the skies over Foynes with world champion pilots in iconic and historic aircraft during the afternoon air show.
The Foynes Air Show opened with the roar of the n F-18 jet from the Spanish air force display team – a first for Ireland.
The Ravens, a six ship RV4/8 Aerobatic formation display team based in the UK added plenty of drama to the show, while the ‘Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’ showcased a Viggen jet.
A British Spitfire, Norwegian MIG aircraft and a pair of ‘Vampires’ were just some of the many aircrafts mesmerising the crowds.
The DC-3, which revolutionised air transport in the 1930s and 1940s, and the Catalina Flying Boat which returned to Foynes after 80 years, paid homage to the past and the well documented aviation history of Foynes.
Margaret O’Shaughnessy, Foynes Air Show Festival Director described the show as “the most spectacular ever seen in the four year history of the event.
“This year’s Foynes Air Show was a huge undertaking for Foynes and Limerick, but it has proven to be a massive success. This free family show was about entertainment and enjoyment, with a nod to world aviation history and to a time when Foynes was literally at the centre of the golden age of aviation.
The main supporter of the Foynes Air Show is the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as part of its #AviationIreland campaign to promote aviation across the State. The IAA also supports the Bray Air Display which will take place tomorrowSunday, July 23, 2017.
Commenting on the Foynes Air Show, Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority said; “Foynes has played a pivotal role in the history and development of aviation in Ireland; a country that always been to the forefront in aviation innovation. The tremendous success of this year’s Foynes Airshow as part of the Aviation Ireland weekend, points to a very bright future for aviation in this country, and the Irish Aviation Authority is delighted to have been the main supporter of this fantastic event.”