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The first major international act has been confirmed for next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
One of the star acts of 2024, the ‘American Eagles Jet Aerobatic Display Team’ is returning for the 2026 edition of New Zealand’s Premier Airshow.
General manager Ed Taylor says the four pilots put on a spectacular performance flying their jets in formation just a metre or so apart at 600kph.
“Many people just hadn’t seen civilian jets flown like that at Wanaka before. We have continued to get feedback from our fans adamant they want to see more. These are four of the very best civilian jet aerobatic pilots in the US coming together as the ‘American Eagles’ for Wanaka.
“Back home they fly as part of the Patriots Team performing at airshows around the United States. They are the best of the best and are promising they have an even more stunning display planned for next Easter.”
The Aero L-39 jets being used by the ‘Eagles’ will once again be provided by Craig Mossman and his team from Fighter Jets NZ Ltd based at Tauranga. “We can’t wait to get our aircraft down to Wanaka again and to see them flown the way the American boys fly them.”
Airshow visitors will again get the chance to book a bucket-list ride in one of the jets over the airshow weekend.
The ‘Eagles’ are just one of a number of world-class ‘teams’ being lined up for Wanaka. The 12-ship New Zealand Red Stars Yak Team will again be on the flightline along with the legendary Roaring 40’s Harvard Display team which traces its roots back to the very first Wanaka airshow in 1988.
There is also a brand-new four-ship team which will debut at Wanaka. “These guys have been practising together for a couple of years now and they are promising a truly amazing display, more details are due soon,” says Ed.
He says they are also planning to announce more international acts over the next two months. “Following the 2024 airshow many people told us that was the best Wanaka airshow yet and there was no way we could top it. Given the big acts still to be confirmed we’re confident we can do just that.”
Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek with demand already stronger than at the same time ahead of the 2024 event which sold out.
“My only advice is if you want to make sure you don’t miss out, get your tickets now especially if you want to be in one of our grandstands or hospitality areas in the middle of the flightline,” says Ed.
