Bournemouth Airport is celebrating its long association with the RAF as part of the nationwide RAF100 centenary celebrations.
They started with a reception for invited guests today (Friday) and included a flypast by multi-role combat aircraft Typhoon FGR4, on training from RAF Lossiemouth in north-east Scotland, and the iconic Spitfire.
From August 24 – 27 (Friday to Monday) the airport is hosting a showcase from the RAF, static displays – including an iconic former Red Arrows Hawk aircraft which is on display at the front of the terminal building – and other military memorabilia.
Bournemouth Airport has a long association with the RAF.
Then called RAF Hurn, it was a Second World War airfield from 1941 to October 1944, before being turned over to civil use, and was primarily a fighter and transport airfield.
RAF Hurn was also used by the United States Army Air Force during the war – for security reasons, to prevent the location being disclosed to the enemy, the station code for USAAF Station AAF-492 was KU.
The event is sponsored by Bournemouth Airport owner Rigby Group, and is part of a series of RAF100 celebrations being held at the group’s other airports which include Coventry, Exeter and Norwich airports.
Sir Peter Rigby, Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Rigby Group, said the event reflected the themes of the RAF’s centenary year: to commemorate, celebrate and inspire.
He said: “We have organised this RAF 100 celebration in Bournemouth to reflect the professionalism and capabilities of today’s Royal Air Force and to provide a platform to discuss its current role and its important future place in serving and protecting our nation.
“This is a time of commemoration and celebration, as well as showcasing the opportunities available in the modern RAF to inspire young people to join the service to realise their potential from the world-class training and opportunities which are available.”
Sir Peter added: “RAF Hurn, and the airfields in the neighbouring New Forest, played an important role during the war effort and it is a privilege to be welcoming the RAF for its centenary celebrations.
“The RAF connection is a strong one locally, exemplified by the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic display team, a regular airport arrival for the annual Bournemouth Air Festival.”
Bournemouth Airport, as part of the Rigby Group’s commitment to honour our brave military aviators, is sponsoring the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) at the air festival, which is the UK’s largest and takes place from August 31 to September 2 (Thursday to Sunday).
Each day there will be BBMF flying displays from a Spitfire, Hurricane and Douglas Dakota.
FLYING HIGH : Distinguished guests and speakers at the RAF 100 celebrations, held at Bournemouth Airport by airport owner Regional & City Airports (RCA), part of the Rigby Group. Sir Peter Rigby, Chief Executive and Chairman of the Rigby Group, is pictured fourth from right in the front in service dress uniform. Sir Peter has brought the celebrations to four RCA airports – Bournemouth, which served as RAF Hurn in the Second World War, Exeter, Coventry and Norwich.