Motril International Air Show 2024

Motril’s International Air Festival 2024
The XVIII Edition of this unique show is here!

Summer is here and, with it, the season of aerial festivals. In addition to the Aguacate Model Air Show and the Torre del Mar Air Festival, another unmissable event is the Motril Festival.

The International Air Festival Ciudad de Motril began in 2006 as a small exhibition of rescue helicopters at the city’s heliport. Since then, eighteen successful editions have been held. Organised by the Andalusian Orion Aeronautical Association (AAAO), its director is José Miguel Pérez Juarez.

As every year, the One Air team was there enjoying the event and recording spectacular images so that, if you missed it, you can live it too. So, here it is… Enjoy it!

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Displays in the Motril International Air Show 2024
When and where?

Displays in the Motril International Air Show 2024

The organisers have put together an amazing grid, with a multitude of displays combining aerobatics, formation flying, rotary wing and powerful fighters. Without a doubt, you can’t miss it. Here’s a brief overview:

Air Tractor AT-802 Infoca

The Air Tractor AT-802 is one of the most famous firefighting aircraft, and its capabilities make it the perfect tool. In addition, its size makes it stand out from the other models used for this type of work.

Mustang X-RAY Patrol

The Armée de l’Air did not want to miss the Motril Air Festival 2024 and will be present with its X-RAY Mustang Patrol.

The team is composed of two advanced trainers, equipped with Pilatus PC-28 turboprop engines located at BA 709 Cognac Chateaubernard; and has three instructor pilots: two demonstration pilots and one trainer.

The team was created in 2021 and its main task is to demonstrate the new PC-28 aircraft (which replaces the Alphajets) to the public.

In addition, through various formation passes, breaks, crossovers and solo manoeuvres that the students perform during their training, they will showcase the work done at the French Air and Space Force flight school.

Sadler Vampire

The Vampire Flyers team represents lighter aviation. Arriving from Jerez, they will demonstrate to the public that, despite the small size of their aircraft, they are capable of all kinds of manoeuvres.

Ainhoa Sánchez Wingwalker

The first and only Spanish wingwalker, able to do all kinds of acrobatics walking on the top wing of her Stearman. This show is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this year’s festival.

Juan Velarde

A benchmark of aerobatic flight in our country, he will participate with his Edge 540, a plane capable of turning 450 degrees per second. In addition, Juan has participated in the prestigious Red Bull Air Race; a fact that guarantees his expertise.

Pilatus PC-9M

We will also be able to enjoy the solo display of the Slovenian Air Force, who will demonstrate the features and abilities of their Pilatus PC-9M: a turboprop aircraft with incredible performance.

De Havilland Chipmunk DHC-1 MK-22

Belonging to the A3H foundation, this historic single-engine aircraft was widely used for military training until the 1990s. To see this unit in flight on our shores will be a privilege and a magnificent reminder of this piece of airborne history.

When and where?

The festival will be held Sunday, 9th June at Poniente beach, in Motril, (Granada). For further information, please check out Motril Air Show’s web page.

The reference point is the restaurant ‘chiringuito El Espeto’, which means that the pilots have organised the exhibition around this point, so this is the area where you will be able to see the best crossings and figures.

The official start time for the festival is 11:00 am; however, we recommend you to arrive in plenty of time because, although the organisers will be providing several car parks, finding a parking space on that day can be difficult.

Recommendations for you to enjoy the event to the fullest

Protect yourself from the sun; wear a hat, sunglasses and use sun cream.
Stay well hydrated; it’s expected to be very hot this weekend.
Wear ear protection, especially for children. You may find the noise of some planes annoying.
Although it’s in a large open-air space (on the beach), be wary of crowds.
And finally, don’t forget your camera!

Training for the Motril Air Festival 2024

Can’t wait to see the planes until Sunday? Training schedules for the different aircraft are already being published.

The PC-9M of the Slovenian Air Force will be in charge of the opening. On Friday 7th at 11:00h they will arrive in Motril to make the first reconnaissance run. Training will continue during the morning and afternoon from 16:00h to 17:00h.

On Saturday morning, training sessions are also scheduled from 11:00h. In addition, Saturday afternoon has been reserved in case any team is unable to train in their allocated slot.

About Orion Andalusian Aeronautical Association (AAAO)

Orion Andalusian Aeronautical Association is based in Motril, Granada and is a non-profit cultural organisation whose aim is to spread, promote and educate in all matters relating to the aeronautical sector.

Therefore, from the moment it was founded, its activity has revolved around releasing information and bringing aviation closer to the general public through various activities, offering both private and public events such as contests, conferences, trips, airport facilities and museum or military base visits, etc.

Motril’s International Air Festival 2024