Rizon Jet and Biggin Hill commemorate the Dambusters in style

A high-profile event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Dambusters raid was held at Rizon Jet’s state-of-the-art facility at London Biggin Hill Airport on 16-17 May 2013.

The event was hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenters Jeremy Vine and Dermot O’Leary and broadcast live on the radio station and was attended by 2,500 people.

Rizon Jet CEO Captain Hassan Al-Mousawi, said: “It has been a privilege to contribute towards the staging of these wonderful events, commemorating a significant chapter in Britain’s aviation history. Our team worked hard to make sure clients were not affected by the extraordinary activities taking place on site, and to make everyone feel welcome. It was a truly special occasion and we’d like to congratulate everyone involved on its success.”

On its Facebook page, BBC Radio 2 siad there was “an amazing setting here at Biggin Hill” and Vine thanked Rizon Jet as he welcomed audience members before the concert.

Earlier in the day, BBC Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Chris Evans flew in to the airfield on Britain’s only airworthy Lancaster, with Tornado pilot Sqn Ldr Mark “Jacko” Jackson. They were welcomed byVine, who broadcast his 12-2pm show from the airfield before later joining Dermot O’Leary to present the concert.

Rizon Jet remained operational throughout the day, with staff working hard to co-ordinate flight arrivals and departures.

Aircraft from the hangar were moved to the apron, and were joined by a Hurricane and Spitfire from the neighbouring Heritage Hangar, which delighted concert-goers before they took their seats for the performance.

Highlights of the evening, included performances by the Portsmouth Military Wives Choir and the premiere of a newly-commissioned Dambusters tribute called March Barnes Wallis, by composer Nigel Hess, performed by The Central Band of the RAF.

Photograph: Rizon Jet ‘crew’ standing on the apron in front of the ‘Battle of Britain’ flight Lancaster