Royal Navy Black Cats Join Eastbourne Airshow Line Up

The Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team have signalled a return to Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow this August.

Flying as a solo Lynx display throughout the 2026 season, Eastbourne is one of just four UK airshows this year where fans can see the Naval team in action on all four days of the show from 13 – 16 August.

Performing a highly choreographed routine, likened to aerial ballet, the Lynx helicopter will showcase its signature manoeuvres including 360º wingovers, power climbs, nose-overs and delicate pedal turns - all with impressive Wildcat agility.

The award-winning team joins a world class line-up at the UK’s biggest free airshow, which includes the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor, Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts, The Starlings, Stampe Formation Team and the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, with more displays to be announced.

Two trailblazing female aviators making their Eastbourne debut, also join this year’s line-up, including six-times French champion and the first woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Race, Mélanie Astles, who will perform in the Extra 330SC.

The 2023 Standard National Aerobatics Champion and Tiger Trophy Champion, Isabel Rutland, will also make her Eastbourne debut performing in the P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’.

In addition to four days of incredible flying displays, Airbourne visitors will have their pick of an array of interactive military displays on the ground from the RAF, Army and Navy. From an Army Air Corps Flight Simulator to an aircraft walk-through experience, visitors will also be able to meet many of the teams including the Red Arrows, Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor and the Black Cats.

An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson said, “After a stunning performance last August we are delighted to welcome back the Royal Navy’s elite helicopter team once again. In addition to their highly choreographed and graceful routines, the team were also hugely popular on the ground, and the pilot and crew will once again be on hand to meet fans for photo opportunities and to chat about careers in engineering and aviation.”

Voted UK’s Best Free Airshow in 2025 (by Airscene), Airbourne hospitality is now on sale with a choice of fine dining, premium BBQ or private cabanas – each with drinks packages, along with exclusive seating areas, car parking and pre-ordering for the souvenir programme and pin badge, sponsored by PRG Marketing Communications Ltd.

In addition to the RAF, Army and Navy ground displays, shopping villages, simulators and children’s entertainment areas, tribute concerts will perform each evening at the Bandstand, with a firework finale on Sunday evening – subject to sponsorship.

Airbourne 2026 is supported by Cloud Connx, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Elite Medical, Environment First, Euro Self Drive, Frontier Fireworks, The Lansdowne, More Radio, Neighbourhood First, PRG Marketing Communications Ltd, Pureprint Group, The View Hotel and Visit Eastbourne.

Also supporting the show is Caffyns – the Eastbourne Airshow Official Pilot Transfer Sponsor dealership - providing net zero emissions pilot and logistic vehicles.

Fans can support the show and keep Airbourne flying high with a one off donation or a monthly pledge from as little as £2 a month at www.SaveAirbourne.com, with all proceeds supporting the flying displays at the show.

For more information or to book hospitality, seating, parking, trade space, sponsorship/advertising, pre-order a programme or make a donation visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com.