A WORLD-FAMOUS jet team will be performing for the first time at this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

The Breitling Jet Team have not displayed at a UK civilian air show for nearly 15 years and never on the south coast of England.

Based in Dijon, France, they are Europe’s largest professional civilian jet display team and will be taking part in three daytime displays and one Night Air dusk show at this year’s festival.

The team pilot seven Czech Aero L-39 Albatros jets – at times, the fast and powerful aircraft fly within three metres of each other, at speeds of over 700kph (434mph).

Headed up by Jacques Bothelin, the Breitling jets will be displaying on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the festival, with a special night air show scheduled for Saturday evening.

Jacques said: “On behalf of the Breitling Jet Team we cannot wait to display in Bournemouth this summer. We have heard about the festival within the air show world and are delighted that we will be demonstrating our skill, precision and unique aviation skill for you all – see you soon!”

Air Festival director Jon Weaver said: “It’s a first for the resort, the event and the jet team. They haven’t displayed at a UK civilian air show for nearly 15 years show and, after eight years of trying to secure them, we are really excited to welcome them to Bournemouth – this really sets the tone of the strong line-up we have this year.”

Other highlights of the 11th Bournemouth Air Festival, which takes place from Thursday, August 30, until Sunday, September 2, include:

n The RAF Red Arrows displays on Thursday, Friday and Saturday

n The RAF Chinook, which will perform on three days

n AerosuperBatics Wingwalking Pair

n Super Pitts Muscle Plane, piloted by flying ace Rich Goodwin - new for this year

n Team Raven’s unique dynamic formation aerobatic display - also new for this year

n Tigers Parachute Display Team, who will be landing on the beach during the day and performing a new dusk jump on Friday

n Night Air displays featuring the FireFlies, Twisters, Otto the Helicopter, and The Blades, with the festival‘s only female pilot Kirsty Murphy

n A vintage weekend featuring dance, live music and classic cars and aircraft displays including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane, Spitfire and Dakota, SallyB, and the Vampire Pair and Strikemaster Pair. Plus a poignant poppy drop planned for the Bremont Great War Display Team