Seven Two Seven

SATURDAY ONLY

Your eyes do not deceive. Thanks to the immense generosity of 2Excel Aviation on Airshow Saturday we'll be graced by a visit from a true giant; their Boeing 727.

The 727 is an iconic 'trijet' (three jet engines) and a massive 133 foot long. Originally built as an airliner, with a freighter version, 727's earned a reputation as the backbone of the airline industry from the 60's to the 90's. It can fly over 2,000 miles at just under 600 mph.

Advancements in engine technology phased out the third engine in airliner design, saving fuel in the process and the 727 has become very very rare. However there are several industries for which having a three engined ultra powerful and proven airframe is still a very useful thing. That's why there are 13 727's still in operation, of which one is used to create artificial zero gravity by basically plummeting from a great height before being pulled back to climb - something only the strongest aircraft can survive.

2Excel are sending one of their two 727's. Both fulfil a role which makes use of the enormous carrying capacity, power and strength of the aircraft. They're on standby 24/7 to go to anywhere on earth where there's an oil spill.

Based at Southend, at any time the phone could go off and the 727 takes off to a far flung corner of the globe. There they operate by taking off full of oil dispersant which breaks down spilt oil from shipwrecks, particularly tankers. This is achieved through amazing airmanship of flying very low over the site then releasing plumes of dispersant. It's quite a thing and 2 Excel are the world leaders at it.

As we're some distance inland there are no wrecked oil tankers about, fortunately, so on Airshow Saturday you'll instead see what immense power, grace and noise combined with some of the best and most specialised pilots anywhere feels like. Massive, for a start, and 2Excels generosity allows us to set a new benchmark for the Airshow - this is by far the biggest aircraft we've ever had.