TWENTY jets are among more than 50 aircraft set to take to the skies over Bournemouth.

The countdown to the Bournemouth Air Festival has entered its final phase, with just one week to go before opening day.

And if its heart pumping, adrenaline-fuelled action you're after, this year's event has plenty to offer.

Bumper crowds are expected for the first outing of the world famous RAF Red Arrows, who are scheduled to display at 5.30pm on Thursday, 3pm Friday, and 12noon on Saturday.

New for this year is the Breitling Jet Team, displaying on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - with a special dusk display on Saturday.

This is the only chance fans have to see the Breitling team in the UK this year.

Headed by pilot Jacques Bothelin, the team have nearly 58,000 hours of flying time between them.

That equates to more than six-and-a-half years of flying non-stop.

Jacques said: "On behalf of the Breitling Jet Team we cannot wait to display in Bournemouth next week.

"We have heard about the festival within the airshow world and are delighted that we will be demonstrating our skill, precision and unique aviation skill for you all – see you soon."

In addition, the awesome Strikemaster flies at speeds of nearly 500mph. You can see the pilot’s handling skills when they take to the skies on all four days and performs a special heritage flight with the Vampire Pair on Sunday.

Courtesy of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron the Vampire Pair will be displaying Saturday and Sunday.

Air Festival director Jon Weaver said: "It’s a fantastic line up this year – we promised more jets and that’s exactly what we have delivered, I can’t wait to see them all.

"It is not just the aircraft either, there’s also the incredible gravity jet suit pilots displaying as a duo for the first time."