Royal Navy Black Cats to display at airshow

South Ayrshire Council can confirm that the Royal Navy Black Cats display team has been added to the display line-up for the 2024 International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight.

The Black Cats are an exciting helicopter display team that thrill airshow audiences with their dynamic flying displays in Wildcat helicopters.

The team started out in 2001 as the 'Lynx Pair' and were the first official Royal Navy flying display team since the 'Sharks' disbanded in the mid-1990s.

The name 'Black Cats' originates from the fierce cat depicted on the now disbanded 702 Naval Air Squadron emblem and the term 'blackcatting', which is naval slang for one-upmanship.

The helicopters will be piloted by Lt Michael Vivian and Lt Scott Sunderland, who will take to the skies to perform some hair-raising manoeuvres that showcase these amazing aircraft.

CEO of theSKYLAB, Dr Geoff Coxon, said "We are delighted that the Royal Navy has decided to attend our airshow. The Black Cats are an amazing display team and we will be one of only a small number of events having the team fly as a two ship display."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "It's excellent that the Black Cats will appear at this September's airshow. I'm sure the team will put on an amazing display in the Wildcats and I'll very much look forward to seeing them in action."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "The Royal Navy Black Cats are a brand-new aerial display for 2024, so it's great to have the team confirmed for our line-up. Anyone who has see this team will know that we're in for a real treat when they display on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September."

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: "I'm delighted to see the Black Cats display team added to the bill for the 2024 International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight.  The team are renowned for putting on a thrilling display. The Black Cats are not displaying as a duo at many events, so we're privileged to have the pair confirmed for both days of our airshow."

Visit our website to find out more about The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight www.ayrshow.co.uk