Memories & Looking Back
On September 13 and 14, our 45th airshow will be built around three major themes:
- the 65th anniversary of Italy’s national aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori,
- the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and
- a tribute to women in aviation.
Frecce Tricolori
In the early 1960s, the foundation was laid at Rivolto Air Base for the PAN – Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale. The team began with six F-86E aircraft and later expanded to nine Fiat G.91 jets. Since 1982, they have flown the MB.339 jets in their signature 9+1 formation, a setup they have maintained for the past 45 years.
This year may be the last opportunity to see them perform with these iconic jets at Sanicole, as they are expected to transition to the M-346 in the near future.
50 Years Since the End of the Vietnam War
On April 30, 1975, the Vietnam War came to an end after 20 years. It was a conflict between South Vietnam, supported by the United States, and North Vietnam, backed by the Soviet Union and China.
At this year’s airshow, we aim to feature a range of aircraft that were active during this period, including the F-4 Phantom, F-86 Sabre, OV-10 Bronco, UH-1, and more.
In the Cockpit or on the Wing
This year, we’re placing special focus on women in aviation — featuring, among others, the daring wingwalkers of Aerosuperbatics and French aerobatic champion Mélanie Astles.
It also marks exactly 50 years since the first woman joined the Belgian Air Force.
