Avro Anson Mk.I

Witness a momentous occasion when this new addition to the European warbird scene soars through the sky over the Sanicole airfield after travelling half-way around the world: the world’s only airworthy Avro Anson Mk.I.

This twin-engined icon of British aviation served as both a wartime workhorse and a vital multi-engine trainer during the Second World War. Built in 1943 at Avro’s Yeadon plant near Leeds, this aircraft – serial MH120 – began its service with the Royal Australian Air Force under the Empire Air Training Scheme. It was restored between 2003 and 2012 in New Zealand and has been the star of airshows and fly ins around the country in there since its return to flight.

Lovingly re-built by Fast Aerospace at Brasschaat in Belgium earlier this year after coming over to join its new European operators, the Anson now flies with RAF Station Czechoslovakia, based at Podhořany. Wearing the striking colours of K6183 of No. 206 Squadron – the first RAF combat loss of the war in 1939 – it honours the bravery of the aircrews who flew the type on anti-submarine patrols, while others went on to fly bomber missions, in particular flying the Vickers Wellington.

Come and hear the growl of its twin engines and feel the history as this beautifully preserved unique warbird graces the skies. It will mark a proud salute to the Czech pilots who once trained on the Anson – and an unmissable highlight of the International Sanicole Airshow 2025!

Photo credit:Jakub Vanek