New for 2024 airshow - Navy Wings - Westland Wasp, Stinson Reliant and Harvard!

South Ayrshire Council is thrilled to announce that three aircraft from The Navy Wings Collection have joined the line-up for next month's International Airshow - Festival of Flight.

First, is the Stinson Reliant, a high winged monoplane "gull wing", with seating for up to four passengers.

Next is the Westland Wasp XT435, which entered service with the Royal Navy in 1965, and operated with 829 Naval Air Squadron, with part of her RN service being on the frigate HMS Achilles.

Last, but by no means least, is the Harvard G-NWHF, the latest aircraft to join the Navy Wings team. This aircraft was primarily used to train pilots during the Second World War.

Based at Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton, the Fly Navy Heritage Trust is the charity behind Navy Wings. Working to preserve Britain's great naval aviation heritage, its objectives are:

To EDUCATE members of the public in the history, traditions and exploits of the Fleet Air Arm and the history of Royal Navy aviation generally.

To INSPIRE by promoting and displaying historic aircraft, the efficiency and effectiveness of aviation in the Royal Navy.

To REMEMBER by providing a living memorial and tribute to the men and women who have flown, maintained or contributed in any way to the operation of aircraft in the Fleet.

CEO of theSKYLAB, Dr Geoff Coxon, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have the three aircraft joining us from Navy Wings. They represent the close bond that South Ayrshire has with the Royal Navy especially with HMS Gannet being on our doorstep at Prestwick Airport. They will be a fantastic addition to our display line up and offer something very unique indeed to the crowds joining us on the Saturday".

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "I'm delighted to see three of The Navy Wings Collection added to our aerial display line-up for Saturday 7 September. This trio of historic naval aircraft are new for the 2024 airshow, so I'll look forward to seeing each of them display next month."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "It's our pleasure and privilege to welcome three aircraft from Navy Wings to the airshow. I'm sure they will put on an exceptional display. It's also a fantastic opportunity for the Council to help raise awareness of the Fly Navy Heritage Trust and the work they do to ensure Britain's naval aviation heritage is not forgotten."

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: "It's fantastic news and an honour that we've got the Harvard, Stinson Reliant and the Westland Wasp all confirmed for the Saturday afternoon of the airshow festival. We're edging ever closer to what will be the biggest event in South Ayrshire this year, so it's great to be able to announce more impressive aircraft for our display programme."

You can find out more about The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight at www.ayrshow.go.uk.

More information about Navy Wings is available on their website navywings.org.uk.