Past meets present at the Biggin Hill Festival of Flight
On Sunday I had a great day out at Biggin Hill airport’s Festival of Flight. This new event format wasn’t called an airshow – apparently this term has very specific regulatory implications.
But it had a different atmosphere to other airshows in any case, and was successful for it. Yes there were aerial displays – and they were good ones (see more below) – but there was also a lot happening on the ground, including police dog shows, arts and crafts and vintage afternoon teas. Families were picnicking and there was a definite feel of a local showground.
Living close to any airport brings a range of benefits, in terms of economic value and jobs, but can also bring its downsides. The Festival of Flight felt like a good opportunity for Biggin Hill to engage with and thank its local community.
Ex-RAF base Biggin Hill is rich in history, and in this special anniversary year for the D-Day landings, I particularly enjoyed the WWII Battle of Britain theme. It was great to see so many dressed in period uniform – and the aerial displays included BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight) aircraft and a Hurricane and Spitfire from Biggin Hill’s own Heritage Hangar.
But the airport is certainly not a place stuck in the past. Today’s private jet operations at London Biggin Hill were showcased to visitors. It was business as usual on the apron and runway as private jets were seen coming and going. And the Rizon Jet FBO facility, which handles the airport’s VIP visitors, made a stunning backdrop to the event.
The announcer pointed out how for every new private jet aircraft based there, 8 jobs are created. This is in addition to the hundreds already employed by the airport – and in associated services locally, such as car services, hotels and catering companies.
London Biggin Hill has good motorway links and its flexible slots and cost-effective landing fees make it a good choice of London private jet airport for those looking for access to the east and south east of the capital – and those with homes in Kent. It also has a specialist handling service for those taking pets onboard a private jet.
Back to the show, and the big climax was a stunning display by the Red Arrows. It was particularly special as the world-famous aerial team made their very first display at Biggin Hill in 1965 – fifty years ago. The impressive announcer for this segment was himself an ex-Red Arrows pilot and local resident.
He talked with evident pride about the special link the Arrows team has with Biggin Hill, and how he had been inspired to join the team. I think a fair number of local children will now be dreaming of a future aviation career as a result.
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