The skies above Wānaka will once again echo with the sounds of 1940s aeroplanes this Easter, as the Warbirds over Wānaka airshow returns after a six-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The international airshow, first held in 1988, is expected to attract over 50,000 attendees.
The event’s general manager, Ed Taylor, stated that the demand for the show has been extraordinary. He said, “The aircraft line-up is probably one of the best ever, with the WWII Mosquito, F-16 Fighting Falcons and the American Eagles Jet Display Team capturing the imagination.”
F-16 pilot Captain Ethan Smith, who is participating in the airshow for the first time, expressed his excitement about demonstrating the jet’s capabilities. He described the F-16 as a unique, simple, nimble, and agile aircraft that’s a pleasure to fly.
Technical Sergeant Matthew Kronick and Staff Sergeant Lucas Haas, part of the F-16 demonstration team, are also thrilled to be involved. Kronick said, “We’re here to give you guys everything – everything it can do, what it was built for, and make it as loud and fast as possible for everybody that’s going to be there.”
The ex-Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) WWII Mosquito NZ2308, one of the most iconic WWII fighter-bomber aircraft, will also be featured at the airshow. Seeing the Mosquito fly will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Warbird fans.
The RNZAF has confirmed that every current Air Force aircraft type will be present at the show (subject to availability), with some performing flying displays and others being on static display for the public to see up close.
The Warbirds over Wānaka airshow will take place over four days, starting this Friday.
