Over 200,000 people travelling around the world to attend the 2015 Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and weeklong Expo in Lakeland, FL taking place April 21-26, 2015. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism announced that the ministry will be one of the main sponsors of the 2015 event. As the world’s 2nd largest aviation event of its kind, The Islands of The Bahamas team is very excited to support this important aviation event, as aviation is closely tied to The Islands.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has been taking part in the Annual Sun ‘n Fun Aviation event for more than 10 years. Show goers have the opportunity to speak with the Bahamas representatives including hoteliers, Bahamas Fixed Based Operators executives, and Bahamas Preferred Florida based Fixed Based Operators. Information is available on all aspects relating to the beauty of the 700 islands and the ease of Flying around the country. A Bahamas Social Media Contest will also be launched at the show.
The Bahamas is the nearest destination to the South Florida Coast –only 55 miles away at its nearest point – and information on the tropical island destination is always well received by both the general aviation pilots and aviation enthusiasts who attend the show.
Sun ‘n Fun, a non-profit organization encouraging the promotion of aviation education, is a perfect fit for the Islands with their blossoming aviation market, particularly in private aviation, and support of youth programs. While Sun ‘n Fun is best known for their Fly-In Expo weekend, the organization also operates the Florida Air Museum and support the Central Florida Aerospace academy. The Fly-In and Expo, now in it’s 41st year is held at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Central Florida, with visitors flocking from all 50 US states and international visitors from more than 82 countries. Over 500 journalists from around the world are expected to attend. Other sponsors included Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, Garmin, Bose, Sennheiser, Honda Power and more than 500 businesses exhibiting at the Expo.
Highlights of this year’s event:
- Breitling Jet Team will begin their first-ever United States tour at SUN ‘n FUN 2015. The prestigious aerobatic display team is the first and largest of its kind; comprised of seven L-39 C Albatros jets, the team delivers a meticulous performance where the aircraft fly within 10 feet of each other, at speeds of almost 435mph and with up to 8G accelerations, embodying the very essence of daring, speed and audacity.
- The Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will perform on April 25-26th.
- The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron will once again be a highlight in 2015. Their mission is to share the inspiring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen – America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Their success in triumphing over adversity during WWII still inspires people of all ages to rise above obstacles they face. The CAF Red Tail Squadron team provides educational materials and innovative ideas for teachers and others to offer young people they guide the opportunity to be motivated to set goals and “rise above” any obstacles in order to achieve success, engaging them in thinking critically about concepts such as ambition, opportunity, drive and courage.
- For the 41st event, the EAA Warbirds of America will be center stage. Rides will be offered as they bring a WWII B-17 Aluminum Overcast and the Ford Tri-Motor. The Texas Flying Legends will perform, making 2015 the largest Warbird show at SUN ‘n FUN in more than a decade.
April 21st (Tuesday) – World Aerobatics and “It’s all about Florida” Day
April 22nd (Wednesday) – Warbirds and “International Visitors” Day including a Twilight Airshow
April 23rd (Thursday) – Formations and “Brighter Future” Day
April 24th (Friday) – Collage of Airshow Wonders and “Women in Aviation” Day
April 25th (Saturday) – Warbirds and “Military” Day including a full Evening Airshow with fireworks
April 26th (Sunday) – Collage of Airshow Wonders and “Florida Resident Day”
“We are incredibly proud to be sponsoring such an important aviation event in the US, particularly Florida where there is a strong aviation community”, said Greg Rolle, Director of Bahamas Sports Marketing and Olympian and Chief Pilot. He added that “ We encourage aviators to continue to enjoy the pristine waters and clear skies of The Islands Of The Bahamas. As sponsors of youth aviation programs, and fly-in events in The Bahamas, Sun ‘n Fun is a natural fit, and we’re excited to be partnering with them again this year and look forward to meeting everyone during the event!”
