Building on the success of previous Aerobility virtual events, such as the Armchair Airshow, Aerobility will use technology to link individual aviation-themed dinner parties across the UK to create this year’s Aviators Ball on the 28th November; an event that even COVID-19 can’t spoil.
The evening will feature the traditional Aerobility Grand Auction www.aerobility.com/auction which opens to bids at 13:00 on the 13th November, with a fleet of fantastic items, from the world of aviation and beyond, with six items of particular note.
One of the most exciting prizes is a much sought-after flight in a Supermarine Spitfire, a chance to join the small club of people that have flown in this piece of aviation history that fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940.
This year we also have a flight in the former RAF Fast Jet trainer, the Folland Gnat, combined with a ‘behind the scenes’ tour for two of the North Weald Battle of Britain airfields.
For aspiring Air Traffic Controllers, NATS has kindly donated a rare and privileged VIP tour for two people to tour the Heathrow Control Tower, towering above the world’s busiest airport (see image above).
The Red Arrows have supported all Aerobility’s virtual fundraising events this year and, Squadron Leader Martin Pert, Leader of the 2020 RAF Aerobatic Team, has kindly donated his Red Arrows flying suit that he wore for the high-profile Red Arrows North America tour.
The auction will also include a unique piece of aviation history, a signed and framed photo of G-CIVE departing LHR runway 27L as BA195 to Houston on 24th February 2017. The print is signed and certified by the flight crew and was flown to St Athen on British Airways last ever flight of the Queen of the Skies from Heathrow Airport.
Other notable aviation auction lots include flight simulator experiences, a trial flight with the army gliding association and a Cessna trial flight at Goodwood. The auction also contains a number of unique fabulous non-aviation opportunities such as a tour of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The Aerobility team will also broadcast live online content, a prize giving ceremony and a virtual photo booth, to bring all the diners across the country (and maybe even the world) together on the night, as well as the Grand Auction. To get involved with the Aviators Ball and have a dinner at home please visit www.aviatorsball.com
“The Aviators Ball and the Grand Auction are the highlights of our fundraising year, and this year’s event will be our 14th!” Aerobility CEO, Mike Miller-Smith, said. “Despite the challenges, we want to make this year’s Ball one to remember – albeit in the strangest of times. Please join us virtually on Saturday 28th November for an unforgettable, fun experience.”
The auction will open at 13:00 on Friday 13th November.