An aerospace company located at Cambridge Airport has announced it will partner with the world’s first all amputee formation aerobatic display team.
The ‘exciting’ new partnership will see Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group and Team Phoenix working together to promote inclusivity and inspire young people to fulfil their ambitions.
Both of Team Phoenix’s display pilots are above and below knee amputees who will be flying Russian high performance military aircraft in breath taking displays of aerobatics.
Team Leader of Team Phoenix, Mike Wildeman, said: “We are delighted to partner with Marshall in what we see as the start of an exciting relationship.
“We are all about demonstrating to people of all ages and backgrounds that, with the right support and opportunities, they can overcome many of the challenges that life might throw at them and achieve extraordinary things."
He added: "Marshall shares that philosophy and already has a fantastic reputation for the work that it does in local communities.
"In particular, for the employment opportunities it provides to young people through its STEM activity and award-winning apprenticeship scheme."
Team Phoenix's display features graceful aerobatics with the aircraft looping and rolling in close formation whilst only two metres apart.
It showcases the roar of the 400 horsepower radical engines and is enhanced by using smoke to draw beautiful patterns in the sky.
The balletic spectacle is put to music and includes narration from the team’s commentator.
Marshall CEO, Kathy Jenkins, said: “We have all been inspired by the Team Phoenix story.
“They are the very embodiment of our organisational purpose, building extraordinary futures, and I am very excited to see what we are able to achieve together this year.”
“As well as supporting the team’s air show programme, we will be partnering on broader education outreach activity, promoting careers in STEM and demonstrating that absolutely everyone has the potential to be extraordinary.”
Mike added: “Like all charities, we rely enormously on the support of our partners and I hope that by working together, we are able to inspire current and future generations showing that even against adversity, truly anything is possible.”
To find out more and to see Team Phoenix’s air show dates, head to their website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here