PRESS RELEASE – 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.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Just a little correction to make, you spell it wrong, it is Armée de l’Air 🙂
Thanks for all these news!