Air force joins airport birthday show

DPS 01Feb14 - OPEN DAY: Rotorua Airport chief executive Alastair Rhodes (right) and BayTrust Rescue Helicopter pilot Barry Vincent. A combined open day will be held at the airport. PHOTO/SUPPLIE

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is coming to Rotorua to help celebrate 50 years of the city's airport.

The Rotorua International Airport and BayTrust Rescue Helicopter Open Day is on Sunday, and will feature the Air Force's Orion aircraft in a low-flying display.

Airport business development manager Anna Rodgers said there had been a great response from members of the Rotorua community to the celebrations.

"Final plans are falling into place and we have had a flood of historic photos and memorabilia from members of the community which will be on display.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to all those who took the time to share these pieces of history with us."

As well as looking back over the past 50 years, there will be a number of displays, competitions and activities.

There will be live displays by BayTrust Rescue Helicopter, Customs, New Zealand Fire Service, the Coastguard, AVSEC, Rotorua Airport Fire and the air force Orion. There will also be an air force helicopter on display, helicopter joy rides, historic DC3 flights, a fun kids' zone with face painting and a bouncy castle, food stalls and an opportunity to visit the international lounges, and inspect a range of small aircraft.

"It will be a fabulous day out for the whole family and gives people the chance to find out what the airport is all about."

Airport operations will continue as normal, although passengers are advised to arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier than usual due to any potential traffic congestion from the open day. Dedicated parking for air travel passengers will be available as normal.

Limited free parking for the open day will be available at the airport, however there will be a free bus running from the Convention Centre to the airport every 30 minutes from 11am onwards and the public are encouraged to take up this option.

The open day runs from 11am until 3pm.