A star of the silver screen will be winging its way to Central Otago next year for the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.
A UK-based Messerschmitt Bf 109 which featured in the 1968 film "Battle of Britain" and the 2008 Tom Cruise movie "Valkyrie" would appear at the event, Warbirds Over Wanaka general manager Ed Taylor said.
Next year's airshow marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the Messerschmitt would take part in aerial displays alongside its World War 2 nemesis the Spitfire, Mr Taylor said.
"There are only a handful of these magnificent aircraft still flying today so this is a major coup for us and helps reaffirm our status as one of the world's best Warbirds airshows," he said.
The last time a Me 109 was flown in New Zealand was also at Warbirds Over Wanaka in 1996, when airshow founder Sir Tim Wallis brought one out.
''This could well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. It's expensive to keep these old aircraft flying and to bring them half way around the world is no easy task," Mr Taylor said.
The aircraft is owned by the Aircraft Restoration Company (ARC) based at Duxford in England. It will be piloted in Wanaka by ARC owner John Romain, who says he is looking forward to coming to New Zealand.
"It has been on my wish list for some time to bring the Me 109 out to New Zealand and perform at the famous Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow, it ticks a lot of boxes for me," Mr Romain said.
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow takes place from March 25-27.
For more information and tickets go to www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com
