Special measures were set in place for the largest air show in Romania, the Bucharest International Air Show & General Aviation Exhibition and the drills preceding it, to keep the aerobatics safe; also, the National Air Traffic Authority ROMATSA is trying to keep potential delays at Otopeni Airport in a controllable and predictable limit, Vasile Tocu, director of ROMATSA's Air Navigation Services Directorate (DSNA), declared on Friday.
"BIAS is the celebration of the sky. It's a tradition, an emotion, a dream to contemplate the skies and the freedom of flight with our hearts. Bucharest's airspace had to be reconfigured for the drills and the show, so that the airshow acts take place safely. We assure you that our teams from the Otopeni and Baneasa airports, together with the Bucharest Airports National Corporation (CNAB) teams are doing their best to reduce potential flight delays to controllable and predictable amounts. The key message is: safety first, short and controllable delays. Otherwise, in the coming days we invite you to leave your worries on the ground, look at the sky with emotion and freedom. Clear skies, let us have beautiful days and enjoy the freedom of flight," the DSNA head said at the air show's opening conference.
BIAS communication coordinator Valentin Iordache emphasized that the idea of the event originates in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 'Henri Coanda' International Airport.
"This was back in October 2009. We didn't know then that we would end up organizing such a big event, but yes, except for the pandemic years, we managed to host this event here, in Baneasa, every year since 2011 and today we witness a landmark anniversary edition - the 15th - of this show, the biggest not only in Romania, but probably in the entire South-Eastern European region," Iordache said.
He encouraged Bucharesters to come to the air show, because they will be privileged to see a "dazzling program".
"Tomorrow is a full day, from morning until late evening. As usual, we will have flying routines, fireworks, we'll have a concert at the end, but don't come just for the final part, because the whole day's program will be special. And for those who can't get enough of flying tomorrow, they can come on Sunday too, until the afternoon, because there will be a full program again, both in the sky and on the ground, in the static exhibition and in the hangar. We'll have a dazzling program starting today (when official training began - ed. note) until Sunday," said Valentin Iordache.
The BIAS communication coordinator also shared some sad news, namely that the Royal Air Force's aerobatic display team Red Arrows pulled out of the event after a tragic accident involving a Polish F-16 pilot during Thursday's rehearsals in Radom, Poland.
"These are the tragedies that happen when you master thousands of horsepower in fighter jets. We regret first and foremost the loss of the Polish pilot's life," said Iordache.
In his turn, the general director of the Romanian Airclub, George Rotaru, announced that this year "there's a BIAS festival going on".
"I too am impressed that we have reached the 15th edition of BIAS. It all began in 2009, following a discussion during a meeting held at the Transport Ministry. (...) We concluded that Bucharest needs a large-scale aviation meeting. It has since grown from one year to another, we have reached the 15th edition, a special one. (...) We have lots of guests, it will be an intense, seamless program, with lots of routines by small and large aircraft, civil, military, individual and in formation. Also, on the static side there are many aircraft that can be visited, stands, it's a complete show. This year we have a full-on festival at BIAS. See you at the 50th edition," Rotaru said.
CEO of national airline company TAROM, Costin Iordache said that the show brings together professionals from all branches - civilians, military, aerobatics - and that the national air operator will also be present with a Boeing 737-700 piloted by flight director Catalin Prunariu.
"BIAS turns 15, a landmark event for the civil and military aviation and for all aviation lovers in Romania. It's a show that brings together not only aviation enthusiasts, but also professionals from all branches - civilians, military, aerobatics - all under the banner of a major event which has reached an anniversary edition. We hope to see you at No. 20, in five years. For over 70 years now, the national airline TAROM has been flying alongside Romanians at various occasions. (...) Today, as always, we stay true to our mission - go along with the public and fly. We have prepared a special act for this event - a flyover with a Boeing 737-700, a flagship aircraft in the TAROM fleet, helmed by flight director Catalin Prunariu, together with Alex Dobre - who has over 12,000 flight hours, and Raducu Moise, with over 13,000 flight hours under his belt; the formation will be completed by their fellow Air Force fliers with two F-16 Fighting Falcons," said Costin Iordache.
According to him, for the first time, TAROM will have a stand at BIAS where there will be interactive activities for those with flight fear.
The Romanian Air Force features all types of aircraft in its fleet, announced Commander Sorin Paraschiv.
"There will be many moments of low-altitude aerobatics and mixed aircraft formations. We especially recommend that you don't miss tomorrow's official start of BIAS, at 10:00. There will be a 20-minute performance by all the aircraft in the Romanian Air Force. At 15:00 we will have an exercise simulating the recovery of a pilot ejected behind enemy lines. (...) There have been intense weeks of training, we invite you to come in as high numbers as possible to see what we have prepared for you," the officer said.
A touching moment was the presentation of the dogs put up for adoption by the shelters of the Ilfov County Animal Protection Directorate.
"This is the third consecutive year that we are present at BIAS. Every year, a pooch has found a home starting right from here, from the airport. In fact, that's what we want - all the dogs at the Departures terminal to take the first flight home. We're here to promote adoption. All the dogs you see here today are available for immediate adoption. Unfortunately, all the facilities in Branesti, Buftea, Odai, the Speranta Shelter - are full of dogs waiting to be taken home by a responsible and loving family," said the representative of the Ilfov Animal Protection Authority Raluca Baleanu.
Over 150,000 people are expected to enjoy Romania's highest-profile air show - the Bucharest International Air Show & General Aviation Exhibition, which comes with breathtaking aerial demonstrations, live concerts, fireworks, food trucks, VIP areas, exhibitions, autographs, spotting, relaxation, connection areas, and also with special activities for children.
BIAS and the aviation exhibition take place August 30 - 31 at the 'Aurel Vlaicu' International Airport. The event will bring together over 200 civil and military aircraft in airborne acts and static displays for the public, as well as over 200 pilots and parachutists.
The General Aviation Exhibition opened on Friday at Baneasa Airport, with aircraft manufacturers and owners, as well as general aviation service providers exhibiting dozens of civil aircraft, from ultralight to business jets. The Bucharest Airports National Corporation is welcoming the public at its own stand, where visitors are able to take personalized photos, watch films and unique images about the activity of the Bucharest airports, and can also receive gifts.
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