A Plane Spotter's POV: Beja Air Show 2024
This year's Beja Air Show was a rollercoaster of emotions, ending with a bitter taste.
As part of the celebrations for the 72nd anniversary of the Portuguese Air Force, the Beja Air Show once again brought an action-packed weekend to the Alentejo skies. On June 1st and 2nd, it was possible to see several aircraft on display, demonstrations of the capabilities of the various squadrons and aerial displays. Unfortunately, this edition was marked by the tragic accident between two YAKSTARS aerobatic patrol aircraft, which resulted in the death of veteran pilot and Team Lead Solo Manuel “Coco” Rey Cordeiro.
With a strong focus on publicity, the presentation of an excellent programme and the last-minute announcement of the presence of three fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, thousands of people from Portugal and abroad made their way to Beja.
In the static display we could see the various aircraft that equip the various Portuguese Air Force Squadrons, such as the AW119, the P-3C, the F-16, the Chipmunk MK20 and the TB30. After finishing their flight demos, they were joined by the EH-101, the C295, the C130, the KC390 and the Air Force's latest helicopter, the UH-60 Blackhawk. As for international aircraft, there were the F-35 Lightning II (2 from the USAF and 1 from Aeronautica Militare), Mirage 2000 (1 from the Armée de l'air and 2 from the Hellenic Air Force), an L-159 ALCA from the Czech Republic and 1 F-16 from the Romanian Air Force.
The flying activities started early with the various movements of the C-130 that was carrying out the Flight Baptism and, only on Sunday, we had the take-off and fly-by of the Armée de l'air's E3-F AWACS.
The morning demonstrations were opened by the Portuguese Army's Falcões Negros parachuting team, who jumped from the KC-390. After that, we had a formation flight of the KC-390 and the Falcon 50, followed by individual passes by each of these aircraft, which were also joined by the C-295. Then there was a joint demonstration by the AW119, EH-101 and UH-60. The morning ended with flyovers by the Chipmunk MK20 and TB30.
On Sunday, it was still possible to watch take-offs and demonstrations by some of the aircraft taking part in the Hot Blade and Real Thaw exercises, such as the French Mirage 2000, the Czech L-159, the Romanian F-16 and C27J, the Swiss AS532, the Austrian AB212 and the Danish C130J.
In the afternoon, the demonstrations began with the UK's RAF Falcons, followed by the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, Team Velarde, Patrulla Águila (Ejército del Aire), Couteau Delta (Armée de l'air), YAKSTARS, Gripen Hungary Solo Display, La Marche Verte (Royal Moroccan Air Force) and Patrouille Suisse.
In the end, but only on Saturday, our F-16s flew past, as usual in previous editions.
A short reflection on this event:
Without a doubt, an edition that will always be remembered, but for the worst reasons. A weekend that had everything to be fantastic was marked by the loss of a life. As I said at the beginning, it was an event with mixed emotions, and something that contributed to that was the fact that there were some flaws in the organization on the part of the Portuguese Air Force, such as placing the static exhibition in the same line as the demos and moving large aircraft (such as the C295, C130 and KC390) in front of the public while the ground demonstrations were taking place.
All in all, I can't fail to highlight and salute the various aerobatic squadrons who were present and gave excellent demonstrations, the Portuguese Air Force Squadrons who, as always, show national excellence and the USAF and Italian Air Force for bringing three fifth-generation fighter jets which were certainly a highlight of the weekend for all the visitors.
Finally, I would also like to point out that one of the highlights of these events is undoubtedly the time spent hanging out with the other spotters and aircraft enthusiasts.
Finally, I would like to pay a small tribute to the late pilot Manuel “Coco” Rey Cordeiro. A veteran pilot and Team Lead Solo for the YAKSTARS, he will always be remembered for his love of flying and his professionalism. A pilot who returns to the skies on his own wings. The team at Anacleto Photography extend their deepest condolences to his family, friends and YAKSTARS comrades, wishing them all the strength in this time of loss.
