'Going Virtual So Aviation Fans Don’t Miss Out On International Air Day'

After COVID-related issues caused the actual show's cancellation, the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm’s biggest spectacle is going virtual so aviation fans don’t miss out on International Air Day. The July 11 showcase of the best of British naval aviation is the Fleet Air Arm’s premier public showcase, pulling in more than 30,000 visitors to RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.

Like many public events this summer, International Air Day fell victim to restrictions on large gatherings due to the pandemic.

Two decades worth of shows at Yeovilton for the enthusiast market are being used to provide a mix of performances for attendees. The organizers note that, "You won’t get the same smells or roars of jet engines, or feel the earth shake as explosions are triggered during air day’s trademark commando assault which brings the show to a close in spectacular fashion. But you also won’t get wet, stuck in traffic, have to queue for ages for the loo, or have to part with hard-earned readies. And you will get to see aircraft not on the menu for the live show – some of them which have passed into history."

The 2020 air show – dubbed ‘Air Day Rewind’ – being streamed online will feature Sea Hawk, Sea Harrier, Sea King and F-35 Lightning; foreign military fast jets such as French Navy Super Etendards and Polish Air Force MiG-29; the legendary Vulcan bomber, a South African Airways 747 and the huge Antonov An-124 transporter.

As well as the display footage, commentary will be provided by Royal Navy personnel, display pilots and operators.

The live stream takes place on Saturday 11 July 2020 from 11am to 5pm and can be viewed live on the Royal Navy International Air Day Facebook page and various other platforms.

The actual display schedule will be released ASAP.

FMI: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday, www.facebook.com/yeoviltonairday