Mosquito bomber to be highlight of airshow

A unique de Havilland Mosquito fighter bomber is expected to win international attention during its flight at the biennial Wings Over Wairarapa airshow next month.

The Mosquito FB26 KA114 is the only aircraft of its kind flying in the world and will take to the skies above Wairarapa in the biennial airshow at Masterton's Hood Aerodrome over Wellington Anniversary weekend from January 18-20.

Tom Williams, Wings Over Wairarapa airshow director, said the Mosquito is a major coup for the event and will attract international attention.

Mr Williams was instrumental in securing the Mosquito for the airshow after meeting its American owner, Jerry Yagen, at the Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow in 2008.

"The Mosquito was one of the fastest operational aircraft in World War II and the only one to be constructed almost entirely of wood. Its significance to World War II history is not to be underestimated," a proud Mr Williams said.

Originally built in Canada in 1945, the aircraft took seven years to rebuild at Ardmore Aerodrome by Auckland based Avspecs, led by Warren Denholm.

Bob Francis, Wings Over Wairarapa community trust chairman, said the aircraft will provide visitors with a once in a lifetime opportunity and will cap a line-up of 12 other de Havilland aircraft, ranging from an early World War II biplane, the DH5, to the DH Vampire Jet.

The Mosquito also will feature alongside more than 70 other aircraft during the three-day airshow, which is themed "Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Future".

Other rarely seen vintage aircraft also will be on display along with agricultural aircraft, gliders and helicopters, jet formations, aerobatics, and participation from the RNZAF.

The flying each day will culminate in a pyrotechnic display and mock air field attack.

There also will be entertainment on the ground, children's entertainment, contemporary and vintage military vehicles, a trade site village and a Food & Wine Festival showcasing the best of Wairarapa hospitality.

Tickets to Wings Over Wairarapa 2013 are on sale through all Ticketek retail outlets, by phoning 0800 TICKETEK, or online at www.ticketek.co.nz.