THE world’s largest passenger aircraft will be making a special appearance at the Wirral Show this weekend.

Huge crowds are expected at the sea-front showground at New Brighton to see the mighty A380.

Many spectators from the Airbus UK facility at Broughton, Flintshire, where the wings for the aircraft are manufactured and assembled, are also expected.

The spectacular fly-over is a coup for the Wirral Show which has grown into one of the UK’s biggest free-to-enter summer events, which attracts up to 200,000 visitors.

Michael Emberton, show chairman, said: “We expect all attendance records are about to be broken, thanks to the exciting news that we are to see a spectacular display by the world’s most advanced and efficient airliner. It will be an awesome sight, an unforgettable experience.”

British A380 project pilots Peter Chandler and Frank Chapman will be at the controls of the A380, dubbed the Gentle Giant for being the quietest, most efficient airliner and the first to be successfully flown on eco-efficient fuel processed from liquid gas.

“She is majestic and quiet in flight and has magnificent handling qualities: a joy to fly,” Peter Chandler said.

“We are especially keeping our fingers crossed for good weather over the Wirral Show in order to fully demonstrate how versatile, quiet and manoeuvrable this wonderful aircraft is.”

Expected between 1.15pm and 1.30pm on Saturday, the aircraft will sweep low over the showground after flying over Liverpool John Lennon Airport, up the Mersey and past the Pier Head as a tribute to Liverpool’s role as City of Culture 2008.

The planned display by Airbus is subject to suitable weather.

The Wirral Show, which takes place every July, is now in its 32nd year and attracts up to 200,000 visitors with up to 60,000 on the showground at any one time.

It is organised by three Wallasey service clubs – Lions, Rotary and Round Table – in partnership with Wirral Borough Council.

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