Are you in the mood for a flamboyant birthday celebration? If you are, be sure to come to the International Sanicole Airshow on 13 & 14 September 2025 when we celebrate the 65th anniversary of one of the most famous aerobatic teams in the world: the Italian air force Frecce Tricolori.
The team form 313 Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico and are based in the north of Italy, at Rivolto, not far from Venice. Before their formation, Italy had a rich tradition of aerobatic flying, with various squadrons from different fighter wings performing their own displays. Recognizing the need for a permanent, dedicated national display team, the Italian Air Force officially established Frecce Tricolori, or three-coloured arrows.
They initially flew the Fiat G.91 PAN, a light attack and trainer jet, before transitioning to the Aermacchi MB-339A PAN in 1982, the aircraft they continue to use today. This aerodynamics of this aircraft offered unique opportunities, allowing some amazing manoeuvers such as the tailslide and lomcovak, when the aircraft seemingly spins out of control. Their display consists of 10 aircraft: 9 in the main formation and one soloist. Several of their manoeuvers have gained worldwide fame and draw loud cheers whenever the team performs them. Thick green, white and red smoke accentuates their intricate aerial choreography.
With their 65th anniversary, the team prepares to start a new chapter in its illustrious history with a brand new aircraft: the Leonardo M-346 Master. In 2024, the Italian air force unveiled the design for the new Frecce Tricolori aircraft, applied to the new jewel in the crown of the Italian aviation industry. This may well be your final chance to see the team in action with the MB-339 in Belgium.
This is your chance to admire the biggest Italian flag in the world in the sky over Hechtel-Eksel during the 45th International Sanicole Airshow and to sing along with maestro Luciano Pavarotti in honour of these famous Italian aviators.
