Unfortunately, it seems that this year´s series of bad aviation-related news will continue… A few month ago, we´ve mentioned in our articles about the decision made by the new management of Breitling company, to discontinue their support of the aviation activities and directing their advertising to other channels.
Because the watch-manufacturing company was connected with aviation for many years, this decision already had a huge impact on aviation activities. As already informed, the Swiss (and Breitling-sponsored) DC-3 was sold to Turkey, the Super Constellation Flyers Association (operating the Super Connie L-1049) was put into the liquidation and the Breitling Jet Team was facing an uncertain future.
Recently, the Apache Aviation company, the operator of Breitling Jet Team, has released their official statement about the current status and future plans for the only civil jet aerobatic team in the world.
It is already clear, that the 2019 season is the final one for the Breitling Jet Team, as the sponsorship contract with Breitling company ends this year and was not renewed by Breitling. After 17 years, the seven L-39 Albatros training jets will no longer fly under the colours and the name of Breitling Jet Team.
The Team was created in 2003, being the first professional civilian jet aerobatic group in the world and flying the seven L-39 Albatros trainers. During the 17 years of operation, the group performer their displays in Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America, with average 30 displays each year.
Apache Aviation, located in Dijon-Longvic and founded in 1982 by Jacques Bothelin, is operating an aerobatic team since its beginning, under Martini, Ecco/Adecco and Breitling sponsorships, performing 3,000 aviation displays in 39 countries. The subsidiary firm Apache Aviation Training & Services created in 2018 offers an UPRT (Upset Prevention & Recovery Training) training module and jet formation flight training with a fleet of 6 TB-30 Epsilon.
For the upcoming 2020 season and beyond, Jacques Bothelin, Apache Aviation President, is currently setting up a sponsor research strategy. The future of the aerobatic team will be, hopefully, ensured either through an exclusive sponsor or a pool of co-sponsors.
´The fighter jet is a flying machine of excellence, an unsurpassed communication vehicle to ensure unique visibility to a brand, whether at public events, via the Internet and social media or by all the private operations for which the team remains available to the sponsor. Aerobatics offers a fascinating show; it is the quintessence of mastery and style. ´ said Jacques Bothelin.
There are still 9 flying displays planned for the 2019 season, the Breitling Jet Team will perform their aerobatics show in France, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Austria and Belgium. The final show of the season will take place on 22nd September in Cervolix, France.
We cross our fingers for successful searching of the new sponsor for the team, hoping their operation for the 2020 season, under new name and colours, would be secured soon. Just because the jet team aerobatics offers a unique way of advertising for any brand, at the global level.
