RAF Chinook Double Coup for Air Waves Portrush Air Show

With just three months until this year's Air Waves Portrush Airshow, organisers have revealed that the jaw-dropping RAF Chinook Helicopter Display Team will be performing on both days: 3rd and 4th September.
The Chinook Display Team will join the line-up alongside the Red Arrows to perform on both the Saturday and Sunday of what is Northern Irelands biggest and most exciting airshow event.The Chinook Display Team will join the line-up alongside the Red Arrows to perform on both the Saturday and Sunday of what is Northern Irelands biggest and most exciting airshow event.
The Chinook Display Team will join the line-up alongside the Red Arrows to perform on both the Saturday and Sunday of what is Northern Irelands biggest and most exciting airshow event.

The Chinook Display Team will join the line-up alongside the Red Arrows to perform on both the Saturday and Sunday of what is Northern Ireland’s biggest and most exciting airshow event.

Paul Sall, Airshow Director, said, “We’ve pulled off a bit a coup! The astonishing display by the Chinook will make its Portrush debut this September and is one of the most talked about and hotly anticipated displays on the circuit. They are displaying in only 11 UK venues this year and we will host the only display in Northern Ireland – it’s going to be show-stopping.”

Weighing around 15 tonnes, Chinooks are the heavy-lifters of the helicopter world, with a lifting capacity of 10 tonnes, the equivalent of 2 African bush elephants. The cabin is large enough to accommodate two Land Rovers, or when in use for search and rescue or casualty evacuation, they can carry a total of 24 stretchers.

Paul Sall continued, “Bearing in mind the might and weight of these aircraft, crowds at Air Waves Portrush can expect to see a display which includes high energy corkscrews, spiralling, a 360 degree orbit low to the ground, rearward takeoffs, a move known as a “noseover” and even a bow to the crowd. The versatility and manoeuvrability of this powerhouse of an aircraft has to be seen to be believed.”

RAF Air Vice Marshall David Niven said, “The Royal Air Force is proud to bring the RAF Chinook Flying Display to Northern Ireland. They have worked hard on this new display and are looking forward to showing at Air Waves Portrush. Alongside the Red Arrows and a few other surprises yet to be revealed, this year’s air show looks set to be the best yet.”

For anyone looking for the best seat in the house for Air Waves Portrush, why not book an exclusive hospitality package in the Silver Wings Chalet, with flightline views, for just £59 each, up to and including 19th June.

Air Waves Portrush is organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and supported by Tourism NI. For more information visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or follow AirWavesPortrush on Facebook for more lineup news as it is revealed.