One of Northern Ireland’s biggest and best attended annual events got off to a flying start this week as Down District Council announced that it has secured Kilkeel-based B/E Aerospace as headline commercial sponsor for its celebrated Festival of Flight extravaganza.
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Launching the 2014 B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight from the comfort of one of the aircraft seats made in the high-flying Kilkeel factory is Down District Council Chairman, Cllr William Walker, pictured alongside Martin McGinley, Vice President and Managing Director, and Francis Kelly, Director Furnishings/Finishings & Facilities at B/E Aerospace Kilkeel. Revving up enthusiasm for Saturday 9 August when the world-famous Red Arrows will swoop over the Mournes are Julia Graham and Jake Cousins from Kilkeel. [/caption]
Welcoming the company on board for the fourth year in succession was Councillor William Walker, Down District Council Chairman, who hosted a preview of what the 2014 event will bring to the region with a guest appearance of a perfectly restored vintage Spitfire on the lawns of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa and a thrilling flypast by two chipmunk planes.
Cllr Walker said: “The BE Aerospace Festival of Flight is the jewel in our summer events crown, attracting more than one hundred thousand people into our region each year, creating positive economic impact which radiates right across the Mournes area. Events are a vital strand of our ambitious tourism drive and we continue to work, in partnership with Newry & Mourne District Council, to create a year-round programme of activities, events and attractions for the Mournes.
“The support of the private sector gives us the extra investment which allows us to spread our wings, enhance programme content and raise profile, thus ensuring best value for our rate-payers. We are delighted to retain our very fitting association with B/E Aerospace and, indeed, to welcome additional investment from a range of commercial sponsors, all of whom recognise the significance of this great event and the opportunity it provides for them to demonstrate their commitment to the community.”
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Vintage Chic: A vintage Spitfire on the lawn of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle. The Spitfire, in the care of the Ulster Aviation Society, will shortly be a star attraction at B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight. Also turning heads was country singer Lisa McHugh who will be performing at the event. She took on the role of model air hostess at the Festival launch, welcoming Roy Kerr, Ray Burroughs and Jim Robinson from the Ulster Aviation Society.[/caption]
Martin McGinley, Vice President and Managing Director of the B/E Aerospace Kilkeel, which employs 830 people in the manufacture of aircraft seating for almost all the world’s major airlines explained he is delighted to help the event take off once again.
He said: “Right here at Kilkeel, in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains, we manufacture around a quarter of the world’s airline seats, so this is a perfect association for us. We draw our inspiration from our corporate maxim: ‘Passion to innovate, Power to deliver’ – and that’s a combination of creativity and determination which is also evident in The BE Aerospace Festival of Flight. Now firmly established as one of Ireland’s most exciting, dynamic and successful annual attractions, Down District Council’s spectacular aeronautical display over the stunning natural amphitheatre of Dundrum Bay has built considerable international kudos and is an important and imaginative contributor to our region’s fast-growing tourism economy.
“On Saturday 9 August, tens of thousands of visitors will flock on Newcastle and the surrounding area to enjoy what promises to be our most thrilling celebration of aviation to date. Amongst that audience will be many of our own employees and their families, together with some of our international customers, all enjoying the fabulous aerial spectacle, a great ground level programme of family fun and a uniquely friendly atmosphere.
“For us, this is a highpoint of our wide-ranging community engagement and all of us at B/E Aerospace Kilkeel are delighted to give continued support to a superb event which allows us to share with others our passion for aviation and our pride in our fabulous location here in the heart of Mourne Country.“
Headlining the amazing aeronautical bill will be an awe-inspiring display by the world-famous Red Arrows, paying a welcome return visit to Newcastle. Cllr Walker added: “The Red Arrows will be in great company on Saturday 9 August as they soar over the Mournes and, when the full programme becomes available within the next few weeks, I can promise that aviation fans will be thrilled at what’s on offer.”
For information about all the events in the 2014 B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight visit:
or call 028 4372 2222. To find out more about B/E Aerospace visit:
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