The Bray Air Display once again demonstrated why it remains one of Ireland’s premier aviation events, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to the Wicklow coastline on 1st August for a celebration of flight, technology and aviation heritage. As Ireland’s largest free air show, the event brought together an impressive mix of historic aircraft, modern airliners, military aviation, aerobatic performers and aviation organisations in a showcase that highlighted the breadth and vitality of the Irish aviation sector.
Among the organisations supporting the event was ASG, an EASA Approved Training Organisation, which praised the display’s role in promoting aviation careers and inspiring the next generation of industry professionals. The company worked alongside organisers and aviation stakeholders in helping to support the safe and efficient delivery of the event.
Spectacular Flying Programme
The 2026 display featured 14 separate flying acts spanning more than 90 years of aviation development. Visitors witnessed everything from historic warbirds and military displays to the latest commercial aircraft technology. Highlights included the Aer Lingus Airbus A321XLR, the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, the Irish Army Black Knights Parachute Team, the Irish Coast Guard’s AW189 Search and Rescue helicopter and Beechcraft King Air B200, Team Raven’s six-ship RV-8 formation aerobatics, and the ever-popular P-51 Mustang “Marinell”.
The Irish Air Corps delivered a dynamic military display, while Richard Goodwin’s muscle biplane aerobatics and the Strikemaster Jet added plenty of excitement for the crowds lining the seafront. Offshore, Irish Naval Service vessel LÉ James Joyce provided a fitting maritime backdrop to the day’s proceedings.
Historic Formation Flight Steals the Show
One of the most memorable moments of the day came in the form of a unique formation flypast that celebrated Irish aviation past, present and future. For the first time, Aer Lingus’ Airbus A321XLR flew in formation with the Irish Air Corps Silver Swallows display team. The flypast brought together Ireland’s national airline and military aviators in what many regarded as a defining image of the 2026 event, symbolising the country’s aviation heritage, innovation and professionalism.
While the flying displays provided the spectacle, organisers and industry supporters were keen to emphasise the wider importance of the Bray Air Display. Events such as Bray have long played a vital role in introducing young people to aviation and encouraging future careers as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, dispatchers and other aviation professionals.
ASG noted that many aviation professionals trace their passion for flying back to childhood visits to air shows, highlighting the importance of public events in building awareness of career opportunities within the sector. As an organisation involved in pilot training and aviation education, ASG sees the display as an important platform for showcasing the opportunities available in modern aviation.
Celebrating Irish Aviation
The return of historic aircraft such as Iolar (EI-ABI), the oldest surviving Aer Lingus aircraft, formed part of Aer Lingus’ 90th anniversary celebrations and served as a reminder of Ireland’s rich aviation heritage. Alongside the latest generation Airbus A321XLR and modern training aircraft from the National Flight Centre Pilot Academy, the programme successfully bridged the gap between the industry’s past and future.
With strong public support, an impressive display programme and continued industry involvement, the Bray Air Display remains one of the most important dates on Ireland’s aviation calendar. It is a showcase not only of aircraft and flying skills, but of the people, organisations and ambitions that continue to drive Irish aviation forward.
Main photo above via ASG. Photos below by Paul Kolbe.
