Catalina

Catalina Flying Display | Headcorn International Airshow 2026

Catalina (PBY) - a rare warbird return to Headcorn

Few aircraft stop people in their tracks like the Consolidated PBY Catalina — the unmistakable flying boat that became a lifeline over the oceans in the Second World War. Last seen flying from Headcorn in 2017, the Catalina returns to the Headcorn International Airshow flying programme for HIA 2026.

Operated by Plane Sailing Air Displays, this is one of those displays you don’t “catch next time” - you make sure you’re on the crowdline when it happens.

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What you’ll see in the air

Expect a slow, powerful, elegant display that shows off the Catalina’s scale and presence - perfect for displaying a WWII grass strip like Headcorn.

Iconic silhouette and wide, steady passes
A genuine piece of maritime aviation history in motion
A crowd-favourite for photographers and families alike

Aircraft history

The Catalina appearing at Headcorn was originally ordered for the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Canso A amphibian (essentially equivalent to the US Navy PBY-5A). Built in 1943 by Canadian Vickers at Cartierville, Quebec, it carried the RCAF serial 11005.

It served on Canada’s Pacific coast with No. 9 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron at Bella Bella and later transferred to No. 7 (BR) Squadron, flying day and night patrols during the war - including anti-submarine operations.

Why this matters at Headcorn

Headcorn is a small airfield with a big history - and the Catalina is an immense aircraft that feels even more dramatic in this setting. Seeing a Catalina at close quarters is special anywhere. Seeing one at Headcorn is something else.