Could Red Arrows have a flying future thanks to new £2m ride?
BRITAIN's iconic Red Arrows could secure their future thanks to a new £2million ride at Blackpool's famous Pleasure Beach.
Cash-strapped Ministry of Defence chiefs had feared they would no longer be able to fly the world-renowned RAF display team.
However, Blackpool Pleasure Beach have now unveiled the Red Arrows Sky Force white-knuckle ride, which will join the both Wallace and Gromit and SpongeBob SquarePants-themed attractions at the amusement park next Spring.
Although details of the multi-million deal are being kept under wraps, it is thought the RAF will benefit from a six-figure sum in return for granting branding rights to the ride.
The financial boost comes after months of speculation over the future of the Red Arrows, currently celebrating its 50th season, amid concerns about their cost at a time when defence budgets are being hit.
Although Prime Minister David Cameron has previously insisted there is "absolutely no danger of there not being a Red Arrows team in Britain" dark clouds have been gathering in the skies above their base at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
Just weeks ago Labour said if it won the next election it could not guarantee the future of the display team.
One major issue involves the Hawk T1 jets flown by the pilots, which need to be replaced in 2018.
Complete with the Red Arrows' famous red, white and blue livery and its own control tower, the 72ft high, 12-seat ride will take thrill-seekers on a 360-degree tour of the skies based on the world's top aerobatic display team.
They are an amazing sight to see when they are in the skies and I am certain our new ride will give our guests a unique thrill they will want to experience again and again
Riders will climb into their own jet cockpit for an adrenaline-fuelled flight in formation high above the resort.
Pleasure Beach bosses say they are delighted about the deal with "a British institution."
Robert Owen, director of marketing at the Pleasure Beach, said they had approached the Red Arrows about developing a ride.
He said: "Since 2011, our major investment in Nickelodeon Land and Thrill-O-Matic has been for family markets so this investment is about a new ride for our thrill-seekers.
"With the combined investment that the Pleasure Beach has made and other investments in the town, combined with the increase in visitor numbers we've seen this season so far, we're confident a new ride will enhance this even more and pave the way for a positive 2015 season."
He refused to discuss details of the deal, which bosses say is "commercially sensitive."
The multi-million pound project will see the new ride built alongside the Big One rollercoaster, next to Wallace and Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic and the nearby Nickelodeon Land.
A source said the RAF was "more than happy" with the figures involved, which means the legendary group will have "a constant presence at the park."
The Red Arrows have been firm favourites at the Blackpool Air Show, which attracts around 60,000 spectators each summer and their Hawk jets were built by BAE Systems down the road in Warton, Lancashire.
They have also been a regular site in the skies over the resort, using its airport as a base for appearances in the North of England.
Amanda Thompson, amusement park managing director described the deal as a "perfect fit."
"They are an amazing sight to see when they are in the skies and I am certain our new ride will give our guests a unique thrill they will want to experience again and again," she said.
It is the latest investment in new rides at the tourist attraction, which has spent more than £15 million over the last three years backed by Blackpool Council and the Lancashire Enterprises Partnership Growing Places fund.
Shadow defence secretary Vernon Coaker told the Labour Party conference that the aerobatic display team was "the best of British" but refused to say that money would be found to keep them flying.
The Red Arrows' new Squadron Leader, David Montenegro, said he hoped the future of the acrobatic team would not be left hanging in the balance.
He said: "A decision needs to be made. We won't be involved in the decision about the future of the squadron, that will be down to senior MOD and senior officers.
"We will hopefully be able to discuss with them about the potential other aircraft which we could fly once these jets need to be replaced.
"However, I will support the team through the handover period and through whatever decision is made when it is made."
