Our condolences go out to the family of Ray Hanna who passed away last December. Ray’s association with Biggin Hill goes back over 40 years and he will be sadly missed by all of us.

Who can ever forget seeing him close the show each year in his Spitfire to the sound of the Last Post! The eyes of all of the crowd on the lone aircraft as Ray demonstrated the beauty and grace of the Spitfire as only he could, creating a remarkable emotion which will long be remembered.

There will be many Spitfires flying here at Biggin Hill in the coming years, but there will only be one Ray Hanna. Rest in peace with your son Mark and thank you for all of the memories you have given us.…

A unique collection of German aircraft from the era of the 1930s and 1940s will be on display in the air and on the ground at the 2006 Biggin Hill International Air Fair on 3rd & 4th June. The collection includes a rare example of the Klemm 35 gull-wing monoplane that first flew in 1935. The tandem open cockpit layout made it popular as a training machine with the wartime Luftwaffe and later with air forces of Sweden, Hungary and Rumania. Other rare specimens are the radial-engined Focke-Wulf FW44 Stieglitz (Goldfinch) biplane basic trainer from the mid-1930s and the Bucker Bu181 Bestmann, the first trainer adopted by the 1940s Luftwaffe with side-by-side seating. All aircraft are in original authentic colour schemes. Two further examples of Bucker aircraft are included, the Bu131 Jungmann biplane trainer dating to 1939, this aircraft owned by Mr Bucker himself, and the elite Bu133 Jungmeister that was developed to provide aerobatic and advanced handling training for the military pilots of the day. The classic Jungmeister is powered by the same sturdy Siemens radial engine.…

Calling all teenagers – If you are thinking about a career in the Army, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy or the Metropolitan Police, then the place to be on Friday afternoon 2nd June will be at Biggin Hill Airport.

Air Displays International, organisers of the annual Biggin Hill International Air Fair, have arranged a special opportunity for London’s teenager boys and girls to meet professional careers advisers from the three armed services and the Police at the airport for a dedicated 3-hour session between 1pm (1300) and 4pm (1600) on 2nd June. There will be no admission fees, parking or other charges.

Individuals or School’s teaching staff and youth leaders wishing to bring organised groups to the session are invited to make contact with Colin Thomas at the Blackheath Army Recruitment Centre, telephone : 020 8852 8877.…

More than 85,000 spectators visited the 44th Biggin Hill International Air Fair over the weekend, enjoying sunshine and warm weather throughout. The attendance represented an increase of 15,000 above the 2005 level, described by organiser Colin Hitchins as ‘a huge tribute to our supportive sponsors The History Channel, LBC News 1152 and the News Shopper’ Visitors witnessed a 6-hour aerial spectacular each day, combining the very best of European air show displays and marking the UK debut of the 6-ship all-jet Breitling team from France and the 2Excel Blades team with four Extra 300 aircraft led by former Red Arrows team leader Andy Offer. See latest press release.…

This year’s show will feature some exciting new items at Biggin Hill. Our theme of Air Transport and Travel will be well represented by the Air Atlantique fleet of passenger aircraft. The whole fleet are rarely seen together and it is a first at Biggin Hill. An Air Power demonstration from the RAF and Army will involve jets, helicopters, transport aircraft and troops, ear plugs recommended. From the world of aerobatics we have gathered the crème de la crème with Will Curtis in his SU26, the Red Bull Matadors and the brand new 2Excel team led by ex Red Arrows leader Andy Offer. The Breitling jet team, now consisting of six L29 aircraft will demonstrate their skills in close formation aerobatics. This is just a taster of our 5½ hour flying display.…