Eastbourne Airbourne 2026: Which flying displays will replace the Red Arrows?
Two new displays have been announced for Eastbourne’s annual airshow after the Red Arrows pulled out.
The fan-favourite RAF display team had been set to perform at Airbourne on August 14, 15 and 16.
However, adverse weather conditions in North America – where the team have just finished a tour – mean the Red Arrows had to pull out of several events, including Airbourne.
Organisers of the airshow have ‘been working around the clock’ to secure additional displays, according to an Airbourne spokesperson.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ will take to the skies from Friday (August 14) to Sunday (August 16).
Europe’s last remaining airworthy B-17 has featured in films and TV programmes, and is usually on static display at the Imperial War Museum Duxford when not flying.
A regular feature of airshows and commemorative events, Sally B has been flying in the UK for 50 years.
A spokesperson for the official Sally B Facebook page said: “We can’t wait to bring the sights and sounds of the last airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress in Europe to the South Coast and share Sally B’s story with everyone attending.”
Making its Airbourne debut – on Saturday (August 15) and Sunday – is the Conair Turbo Firecat.
Converted from the twin-engine Grumman S-2 Tracker, the fire-fighting aircraft can carry more than 3,000 litres of water in its former torpedo bay.
It will ‘deliver a spectacular and unique water display’, according to Airbourne organisers.
The Airbourne spokesperson added: “These exciting additions complements an already exceptional flying programme, which includes crowd favourites such as the RAF Typhoon Display Team, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team, the Black Cats, AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers and the Jet Pitts, alongside a host of military and civilian aircraft performing across the four days.”