The roar of engines, the elegance of aerobatics, and the timeless charm of vintage aircraft—few events capture the imagination quite like an airshow. Across Europe, these gatherings celebrate aviation’s past, present, and future, drawing crowds of enthusiasts, families, and curious onlookers alike. The 2025 European Airshow Season is poised to launch with exceptional flair, thanks to two remarkable events: Den ve vzduchu Plasy (Plasy Air Day) in the Czech Republic and the inaugural JedlińSKY 2025 in Poland. Scheduled for late April, these airshows promise to set the tone for a thrilling year of aerial spectacles.

This article delves deep into both events, exploring their histories, what attendees can expect, and the extraordinary aircraft and pilots slated to perform. From the storied runway of Plasy to the fresh skies of Radom-Piastów, here’s everything you need to know about the season’s opening acts.

Den ve vzduchu Plasy (Plasy Air Day)

Overview of the Event

Held annually in the picturesque town of Plasy in the Plzeň Region of the Czech Republic, Den ve vzduchu Plasy, or Plasy Air Day, stands as one of the country’s most beloved aviation events. Taking place at the Plasy Airfield—a site steeped in aeronautical heritage—the airshow is a collaborative effort between the Plasy Aeroclub, local government, and various aviation partners. Scheduled for April 26-27, 2025, this two-day extravaganza kicks off the European airshow calendar with a blend of high-octane performances and family-friendly festivities.

Plasy Air Day has earned a reputation for its eclectic mix of displays, featuring everything from cutting-edge military jets to meticulously restored vintage planes. The event’s setting in the rolling Czech countryside adds a scenic backdrop to the aerial action, making it a visual treat for attendees.

A Look Back at Previous Editions

The roots of Plasy Air Day stretch back years, with each iteration refining and expanding the experience. What began as a modest gathering of local aviators has blossomed into a major regional event, regularly attracting upwards of 20,000 visitors over its two-day run. Past editions have showcased the Czech Air Force’s might, honoured aviation pioneers with displays of historical aircraft, and introduced international talent to Czech skies.

Notable moments include the regular appearances of the L-39 Albatros, a jet that embodies Czechoslovakia’s engineering prowess, and the soul-stirring flights of vintage craft like the Polikarpov PO-2. The 2024 event, for instance, was a triumph, with clear skies allowing pilots to push their machines to the limit while ground exhibits kept the crowds engaged. Organizers have consistently upped the ante, and 2025 is shaping up to surpass all expectations.

What to Expect in 2025

The 2025 Plasy Air Day is gearing up to be a blockbuster. The aerial program will span the gamut of aviation artistry: expect the thunderous roar of jet flybys, the mesmerizing loops and rolls of aerobatic teams, and the serene beauty of glider performances. The two-day format allows for a packed schedule, with different highlights each day to keep repeat visitors enthralled.

Beyond the skies, the event promises a vibrant ground experience. Static displays will let attendees get up close to aircraft, while educational exhibits delve into the mechanics and history of flight. For families, there’ll be plenty to enjoy, from kid-friendly activities to a bustling marketplace of food and aviation memorabilia. Rumors of a potential night show—complete with lights or pyrotechnics—are circulating, though details remain under wraps.

Ground Attractions

While the aerial displays steal the spotlight, Plasy Air Day’s ground offerings are a draw in their own right. Here’s a rundown of what’s in store:

-Static Displays: Aircraft ranging from sleek modern general aviation aircraft to lovingly restored classics will be parked for the public to see up close. Visitors can chat with pilots and crew, gaining insights into the machines’ stories.

-Interactive Exhibits: Flight simulators will offer a taste of piloting, while displays on Czech aviation history provide context for the day’s performances.

-Family Fun: A dedicated children’s zone will feature games, workshops, and perhaps even a mini runway for model planes.

-Food and Vendors: Local flavours—think hearty Czech sausages and fresh pastries—will mingle with international fare, alongside stalls selling everything from pilot caps to scale models.

The atmosphere is set to be electric, with live music and announcements keeping the energy high throughout the weekend.

The 2025 Lineup

The lineup for Plasy Air Day 2025 is a veritable who’s-who of aviation talent, blending Czech staples with international stars—several making their debut in the country or at this event. Below is a detailed look at the confirmed performers, with more additions possible (check www.denvevzduchu.cz for updates).

Czech Debut: Melanie Astles – Extra 330 SC (France)
Hailed as one of the world’s top aerobatic pilots, Melanie Astles brings her Extra 330 SC to Czech skies for the first time. As the only woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Race, she’s a trailblazer whose gravity-defying maneuvers—tight spins, vertical climbs, and knife-edge passes—showcase both her skill and her aircraft’s agility.
Czech Debut: Luca Bertossio – Swift S-1 (Italy)
A world champion in glider aerobatics, Luca Bertossio elevates silent flight to an art form. Piloting the Swift S-1, he’ll carve the sky with loops and rolls, proving that engine-free aircraft can thrill just as much as their powered counterparts.
Plasy Air Day Debut: 2x SIAI Marchetti SF-260 – Niebergall (Germany)
German father-and-son duo Ralf and Nico Niebergall debut at Plasy with their SIAI Marchetti SF-260s. This acrobatic team’s synchronized display—featuring mirror-image maneuvers and close-formation flying—highlights their familial precision and the SF-260’s versatility as a trainer-turned-performer.
L-39C Albatros – LOM PRAHA Air Training Centre
Piloted by Ján Hromnik, the L-39C Albatros is a Czechoslovak icon that’s trained generations of pilots. Its sleek lines and jet-powered performance will shine in a display blending speed and historical reverence.
LET C-11
Manufactured in 1955, the LET C-11 is a vintage gem flown by Tomáš Bruštík of LOM PRAHA. Its gentle hum and classic design offer a nostalgic counterpoint to the modern machines, celebrating aviation’s early days.
SAAB JAS-39 Gripen
The Czech Air Force contributes flybys of the SAAB JAS-39 Gripen, a multirole fighter known for its agility and advanced tech. While not a full aerobatic show, these high-speed passes will underscore the military’s prowess.
Plasy Air Day Debut: Spartan 7W Executive
From 1934 comes the Spartan 7W Executive, a polished relic piloted by Sébastien Mazzuchetti of France. Its elegant curves and leisurely pace evoke a bygone era of luxury flight.
Zlin Z-142
Martin Šonka takes the controls of the Zlin Z-142, a Czechoslovak trainer with a sporty edge. His expert handling will push this aircraft through a dynamic routine, showcasing its aerobatic chops.
Flying Bulls Aerobatics Team
Widely regarded as one of the world’s premier civilian aerobatic teams, the Flying Bulls—Stanislav Čejka, Martin Spaček, Jan Rudzinskyj, and Jan Tvrdík—deliver a masterclass in formation flying. Their synchronized stunts are a testament to teamwork and precision.
Plasy Air Day Debut: Trener Box – Zlín Z-526
This Czech quartet—Radim Vojta, Michal Masař, David Vilímovský, and Kryštof Minich—flies the legendary Zlín Z-526 in a tight formation display. Their Plasy debut promises to dazzle with coordinated aerobatics.
Martin Šonka – Extra 300 SR
A Red Bull Air Race World Champion, Martin Šonka returns with his Extra 300 SR for a solo performance that’s pure adrenaline. Expect heart-stopping dives and razor-sharp turns from this Czech superstar.
Schleicher ASK-21
Roman Šlapáček of the Plasy Aeroclub pilots the Schleicher ASK-21 glider in an acrobatic showcase. Its quiet elegance will contrast with the roar of jets, highlighting the diversity of flight.
Enstrom 480B-G
Lt. Col. Jaroslav “Jerry” Špaček of LOM PRAHA demonstrates the Enstrom 480B-G helicopter’s nimble moves. This display will spotlight rotary-wing versatility amid a fixed-wing-heavy lineup.
Polikarpov PO-2 Kukuruznik
Known as the “Night Witches’ Airplane” from its WWII service, this 1937 biplane, flown by Petr Handlik, offers a slow, soulful flight that honors history’s unsung heroes.
Plasy Air Day Debut: British Taylorcraft Auster Mk V
Jiri Hruška pilots this WWII frontline veteran, a Taylorcraft Auster Mk V, making its Plasy bow. Its rugged charm and storied past will captivate history buffs.

JedlińSKY 2025

A New Star on the Airshow Map

While Plasy Air Day builds on years of tradition, JedlińSKY 2025 bursts onto the scene as a fresh face, opening Poland’s airshow season with a bang. Set for April 26, 2025, at the Radom-Piastów Airport in Piastów, Poland, this inaugural event is a collaboration between Heli Solution and Nasza Gmina Jedlińsk. Starting at 10:00 AM with free admission, JedlińSKY aims to draw a broad audience with its ambitious program and unique twist: it doubles as the Heli Solution Open Day, blending helicopter-centric activities with a full-fledged airshow.

This newcomer promises a day-into-night experience, with performances stretching from morning flyovers to evening spectacles enhanced by pyrotechnics. Organizers are pulling out all the stops to make JedlińSKY a memorable debut, tapping into Poland’s rich aviation heritage while welcoming international talent.

Event Details

The Radom-Piastów Airport, nestled in central Poland, provides an ideal stage for JedlińSKY. Its modern facilities and historical significance—tied to Poland’s aviation legacy—make it a fitting host. The event kicks off at 10:00 AM, offering a packed schedule that transitions from daylight aerobatics to a dramatic night show. The Heli Solution Open Day adds an extra layer, with helicopter displays, tours, and possibly even rides (details pending).

Free entry ensures accessibility, while the organizers’ focus on safety and spectacle—think pyrotechnic flourishes and top-tier pilots—sets the stage for a standout day. Preparations are in full swing, with the airport abuzz as crews ready the airspace and grounds.

The 2025 Lineup

JedlińSKY’s lineup is a bold mix of Polish pride and global flair, featuring vintage warbirds, modern helicopters, and elite aerobatic performers. More acts are expected, so keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page (facebook.com/events/1316082209694881) for updates. Here’s who’s confirmed so far:

Retro Sky Team (Slovakia)
This Slovakian troupe recreates WWII air combat with historically painted planes. Their show—complete with mock dogfights, bombing runs, and copious pyrotechnics—blends history and high drama, thrilling crowds with its intensity.
SBlim-2 and Lim-2 – Fundacja Eskadra
Poland’s aviation legacy soars with the SBlim-2 and Lim-2 jets from Fundacja Eskadra. These Cold War-era guardians of Polish skies will rumble over Radom, their powerful engines evoking decades of service and national pride.
Bo-105.pl – Heli Solution
Based at Radom-Piastów, this Bo-105 helicopter, flown by Maciej Dominiak, is a local legend. Its daytime display will feature coloured smoke trails, while the night show dazzles with pyrotechnics—proof of the Bo-105’s enduring wow factor.
Extra 300L – Robert Kowalik
Radom’s own Robert Kowalik, a multi-time Polish Aerobatic Champion, pilots the Extra 300L. His pedigree—gold medals and commercial jet experience—shines through in a performance packed with precision and flair.
Sky Magic Parachute Team
The “Magicy” are airshow regulars, known for jaw-dropping day and night jumps. Daytime leaps feature smoke, ribbons, and a massive 500-square-meter Polish flag, while their pyrotechnic-laden night drops are a rare treat.
Bo-105 – Maria Muś
Maria Muś, a standout female pilot, brings her Bo-105 to JedlińSKY—making it the second of its kind on the bill. With a resume spanning major airshows and helicopter competitions, her display will highlight skill and empowerment.
Vári Gyula – Yak-52 (Hungary)
Hungary’s Vári Gyula, a former MiG-29 will display the Yak-52. His aerobatic prowess will turn this trainer into a star, blending military precision with showmanship.
Carbon Cub – Dawid Walas
Dawid Walas, a driving force behind JedlińSKY, pilots the Carbon Cub from the Polish Aeroclub. Its short-field capabilities promise a dynamic show, reflecting Walas’s dual role as organizer and aviator.

Wrapping Up

The 2025 European Airshow Season launches with a one-two punch: Den ve vzduchu Plasy and JedlińSKY 2025. Plasy’s two-day affair, with its rich history and star-studded lineup, offers a comprehensive celebration of flight in the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, JedlińSKY’s bold debut in Poland, merging day and night shows with a helicopter twist, signals a bright new addition to the circuit.

Both events showcase aviation’s diversity—jets, gliders, helicopters, and parachutes—while honouring its heritage and pushing its boundaries. With lineups still evolving, check their respective websites for the latest. Whether you’re in Plasy on April 26-27 or Piastów on April 26, prepare for a sky full of wonder to kick off 2025 in style.

The 2025 European Airshow Season: A Grand Opening with Den ve vzduchu Plasy and JedlińSKY

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