BREITLING, the official supplier to world aviation, yesterday (6 March 2013) welcomed the world’s only formation Wing Walking team to Sydney. For the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, their visit provides the opportunity to showcase their visually spectacular aerial acrobatics over Sydney’s iconic harbour.

The BREITLING Wingwalkers, one of the many partnerships which Breitling has with the aviation community, is based at Bankstown Airport from the 7th of March 2013 and will be taking part in media commitments and VIP flights until March 13th 2013. This activation provides for the first time unique and iconic imagery to be shared with the world.

Providing a taste of retro glamour the Breitling Wingwalkers bring the Golden Era of aviation to life, blending grace and style with absolute precision. As the world’s only aerobatic formation display team to feature professional wingwalkers, the team has entertained airshow crowds for three decades with its combination of skill, aerial artistry and effective teamwork – evoking flamboyant and colourful character ensuring a visual delight for all those whom witness.

Wingwalking was popularised in the pioneering Golden Era of aviation in the 1920s when flying for fun was first showcased. Taking the concept a stage further, daring pilots and aerial performers would climb aboard the wing to perform acrobatics from outside the cockpit. Modern-day wingwalking preserves the spirit of this era but with improved safety and aircraft performance factored in.

The Breitling Wingwalkers originally began life in the late 1980s when chief pilot Vic Norman decided it was time to bring back the breathtaking spectacle to airshows in Europe. His company was the first to be granted permission to allow performers to climb out of the cockpit since restrictions were introduced in 1933. In 2009, the team became an aviation ambassador for Breitling.

During an 18 minute display, the pilots perform a well-rehearsed, energetic routine of dazzling aerobatics with close formation flypasts where pilot and Wingwalker communicate only through hand signal. The visit consists of a classic pre-war 1940s open-cockpit Boeing Stearman biplane, featuring an elegant aerial ballerina on the wing that captures the carefree and colourful spirit of aviation. “Combining the romance of old school glamour and our passion for aviation, the arrival of the Breitling Wingwalkers to Sydney signals a milestone for the brand. Having the BWW here in Sydney and performing in the skies above some of the most iconic landmarks in the world (Harbour Bridge and Opera House) allows Breitling to broaden its appeal globally whilst reinforcing its status as the “official supplier” to world aviation”. Christopher Leigh, Breitling Oceania Marketing Manager.