Silverstone wins right to host World Aerobatic Championship

The Silverstone Circuit, home of the British Formula One Grand Prix, will host the next official FAI World Aerobatic Championship in 2009.

Flying Aces, the air sports rights management company, in partnership with the British Aerobatic Association, was awarded the rights to the event by the FAI, the world’s official air sports federation, beating bids from the United States and Germany.

“This is another great example of the recent emergence of air sports as a new untapped property in the sporting world," said Jeff Zaltman, head of the Organizing Committee and managing director of Flying Aces. “The air sports segment is undergoing a revolution that will change the face of sport; and Silverstone’s recognition of this potential – and the FAI’s adoption of new venues – is evidence that air sports such as aerobatics are entering the mainstream."

The 2009 event will mark the first time since 1986 that the world air sports competition has been held in the United Kingdom.