SIAF 2016 (source: SME)
The biggest air event in Slovakia will take place on August 26 and 27 at the airport in Sliač (Banská Bystrica Region). The organisers of the 2017 Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF) say they have prepared several surprises for the visitors.
“Thanks to the participation of foreign acrobatic ensembles and great planes, SIAF can be compared to the biggest and most prestigious air shows in the world,” said Hubert Štoksa, head of SIAF and the Slovak Aviation Agency, as quoted by the SITA newswire.
Big names will arrive
The air show will welcome more than 100 planes from 15 countries across the world.
“For the first time, the B-52 US bomber plane and B1-B Lancer combat aircraft will be presented,” Štoksa said, as quoted by the TASR newswire, “but the biggest star will undoubtedly be the Airbus A380, which will arrive directly from Toulouse in France.
Moreover, there will be other types of planes in the show, including the F16, MiG29, and L-39. One of the top performances will be given by the seven-member Al Fursan formation from the United Arab Emirates.
As for other ensembles, visitors will see the performances by Solotürk from Turkey, Krila Oluje (Storm Wings) from Croatia, and Patrulla Águila from Spain.
Visitors will also be allowed to see a static exhibition of Black Hawk helicopters recently received by the Slovak army as well as many historic machines, TASR reported.
Moreover, the organisers will grant the Golden Wings – National Award of the Aviation of the Slovak Republic to personalities, projects, institutions and other organisations for their contribution in various fields linked to Slovak aviation. The gala will take place for the fourth time, TASR reported.
Expect limitations
The organisers expect more than 120,000 people to possibly come to the air show. Ticket sales indicate that the number of visitors coming on Saturday (August 26) will break the current record of 65,000.
Those willing to see the air show should show up as early as possible to find a good parking place and then move on to the airport.
