THE world's finest aircraft - past and present - will take to the skies at this year's Biggin Hill International Air Fair.

And News Shopper, which stepped in to save the show in 2002, is proud to once again be sponsoring the event in its 44th year.

This year's air fair, which is being held on the weekend of June 3 and June 4, promises to be bigger and better than ever and a real treat for all aviation fans.

The event will see visitors treated to the usual array of traditional aircraft, with famous war planes such as the Spitfire and the Hurricane on show.

Organisers hope the fair will mark the significant advances made in the travel industry since the event was launched in the early 1960s.

Squadron Leader Jock Maitland, chairman of organisers Air Displays International, said: "We plan to recognise the tremendous achievements of the UK airline and travel industry over the past 40 years.

"Their initiatives are boosting travel and tourism in Europe in a way that has never been seen before."

This year's air fair will also see an aerial tribute to Biggin Hill veteran Ray Hanna, who died last year.

Mr Hanna was a regular at the show, from his performances with aerobatic team The Red Arrows in the 1960s, through to his final flight in a Spitfire last year.

News Shopper Editor Andrew Parkes is looking forward to this year's show.

He said: "The Biggin Hill International Air Fair is a fantastic event and it is great News Shopper is once again involved.

"It promises to be better than ever this year and I would urge our readers to come and join us for a great day out."

This year's air fair is also being sponsored by The History Channel, LBC News 1152 and Barclays Bank plc.

l Advanced ticket prices for the air fair range from £16.50 for adults to £5 for children. The deadline to book tickets in advance is May 28. For more information, call the ticket line on 01959 578270.

What you can expect to see at the show

  • A five-hour flying display, featuring the latest military jets and helicopters.
  • An aerobatic display of wartime aircraft, including the Spitfire and the Hurricane.
  • Demonstrations from some of the most famous aircraft of the past, including the Douglas DC3 Dakota and the 1930s de Havilland DH89 Dragon Rapide.
  • A tribute to the late Ray Hanna, who was a regular fixture at Biggin Hill for much of the air fair's 44-year history.