16th December 2013

French Confirm Visit

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A delegation of French military officials, along with a specialist surveillance aircraft, will be arriving in Wanaka next Easter jointly hosted by the RNZAF and Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.

The French will be bringing a CASA CN-235-300 aircraft (mini Hercules) which will be open for the public to view throughout the three days of the event. Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Ed Taylor said it would be the first time Wanaka had hosted French military.

“The aircraft, crew and high-ranking officials will add real international flair to the show and we are absolutely delighted that the Armee de L’Aire (French Air Force) have accepted our invitation to Central Otago.”

The CASA is a medium-range twin-turbo-prop aircraft developed jointly between CASA in Spain and IPTN in Indonesia as a regional airliner and military transporter, he said. Amongst its military roles are maritime patrol, surveillance and troop transport.

“Airshow visitors always love the chance to get inside military aircraft and the CASA will be a unique opportunity for many at Wanaka 2014. This is a sophisticated tactical aircraft, something the public doesn’t generally get a chance to get close to.”

The Royal New Zealand Air Force will help host their French counterparts during the visit.

ENDS

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