Many former air force personnel are expected to descend on Wanaka next year as the 75th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Air Force is celebrated at the biennial Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
Wing Commander Bill Blaikie said yesterday the RNZAF participation in the show would be the air force's final event in a month of celebrations around New Zealand.
"It is a great opportunity for the air force to celebrate our last 75 years [and] also to showcase our emerging capabilities with new and upgraded aircraft," he said.
The airshow will focus on New Zealand's military aviation history and display aircraft that served in a wide range of operations. The programme includes early monoplanes, World War 2-era fighters and modern jets and transporters.
Operations in Vietnam, the Middle East, the Antarctic, Africa, the South Pacific, and Eastern Europe would be recalled at the Easter holiday event, manager Mandy Deans said in a media release yesterday.
RNZAF aircraft on show will include Sioux, Seasprite and Iroquois helicopters, Corsair, Kittyhawk and Mustang fighters and Vampire and Strikemaster jets.
The RNZAF will also have a major ground display and recruiting tents.
Ms Deans said the show would be "hugely entertaining" and "a great opportunity to learn about our history for our young people".
The airshow begins on April 6 and concludes on April 8.
