MORENTE
Every cloud has a silver lining. The cessation of civil activity in the old Airport of Murcia-San Javier (passenger terminal), with all that is for the surrounding population, for its enormous negative impact in many aspects, especially the economic, opens a new way of promotion regional, focused on riverside populations of the Mar Menor: San Javier, Los Alcázares and San Pedro del Pinatar.
The steps that our political representatives began months ago with the Infante de Orleans Foundation (FIO), their offer of the facilities of the already closed airport to house one of the best collections currently in existence, of historic airplanes in flight, a real flying museum , they have to definitively materialize. An opportunity like this does not happen many times.
The interest of other Spanish regions to get the FIO, which is currently looking for a new location, to be decided by them, requires a strong and determined commitment from Murcia, from San Javier, with all the necessary support, from politicians of all stripes, even social, going through institutions and companies. The FIO would find in Murcia the best place to settle, the best sky to fly and the best people to interact with. His unbeatable relationship with the AGA and his «star»: Patrulla Águila, attest to that.
Last November I referred to this matter. I take this opportunity now to insist and invite those who will visit FITUR during this weekend, to also attend the FIO exhibition in Cuatro Vientos on 3 February, especially those politicians who have not yet shown interest. You have to bet heavily to achieve this goal and win the game. It is a common task. In a future FITUR Murcia could include the FIO as one more attraction of the Costa Cálida, for the whole year. Worth.
■ WHAT IS FIO?
«The Infante de Orleans Foundation, is a museum of historical airplanes in flight whose origin dates back to 1984, when a group of aviation professionals created the Historical Aircraft section of the Jose Luis Aresti Aeroclub.
To consolidate this initiative, the Foundation was set up in 1989, with the aim of contemplating the widest possible collection of aircraft that have played a prominent role in the development of Spanish aeronautics.
The collection of aircraft of the Foundation currently has 43 copies of 32 different models, which represent a very important period of our aeronautical history, in perfect flight conditions.
Collaborating entity of the Institute of Aeronautical History and Culture and creditor of the Diploma of Honor of the International Aeronautical Federation, the Infante de Orleans Foundation extends its field of activity to all those actions that aim to disseminate the Spanish aeronautical culture ».
■ INFANTE DE ORLEANS FOUNDATION (FIO). Posted in NE on 05.11.2018
«The City Council of San Javier and the Regional Government are making arrangements with this Foundation (www.fio.es) so that the airport’s passenger terminal, once the International Airport of the Region of Murcia (Corvera) becomes operational, be the official headquarters of this Museum of Historical Aircraft in Flight. The interest is given by the enormous acceptance that all the activities of this Foundation have, one of the best in Europe of its characteristics. Both the static exposure of the aircraft that make up the FIO fund and the periodic exhibitions in flight attract thousands of visitors during the dates they are celebrated, currently ten days a year: the first Sunday of every month, except August and December.
The presence of thousands of visitors has a great impact on the economy of the area, especially in restaurants. Los Alcázares, as is usual when an air show is made at the AGA Base, always benefits from the presence of a large audience. Having a roundabout «dressed» with an AGA plane would be a major demand for the city and its integration in the aeronautical image of the surroundings, because it is the only riverbank town in the Mar Menor that does not have this tourist attraction ».
■ COMMENTS ON THE PHOTOGRAPHIC REPORT
The published photos are available on the Internet, both on the official website of the Foundation and in other institutions, collaborators and followers. Summary the spirit of work and service to the public of people who love aviation and are determined to give testimony of what is more passion for them than for them. Pilots, technicians, volunteers, the collection itself and hangars for exhibition and restoration.
Special mention should be made of what is called in the FIO the «corralillo», an area occupied by the public attending the monthly exhibitions, whose capacity It is limited to 2,430 people. This lack of space and the limitations imposed by the current municipal license, would not occur in the facilities of the former San Javier Airport, which has everything the FIO needs and the possibility of building whatever was necessary.
The FIO Board’s effort to maintain the Museum, reflected in its President’s letter to donors, followers and visitors, needs the full support of our regional authorities. You have to bet hard and win the game.
The attached PDF file contains the FIO Digest Bulletin No. 83 January 2019, with the REPSOL FIO 2019 calendar, the summary of the exhibition flight season of 2018 and much interesting information about the activities of the Museum and historical aviation. A great informative work of our aeronautical history.
■ LINKS OF INTEREST TO KNOW BETTER THE FOUNDATION.
Exhibition calendar for 2019. First Sunday of each month, except January and August, that is: February 3. March 3rd. April 7 May 5th. June 2nd. July 7th. September 1st. October 6 November 3 December 1st.
http://fio.es/Exhibiciones.html
The collection FIO funds can be seen in this link. All the airplanes
Restoration and maintenance center.
Partners Donations and benefits
http://nica.fio.es/socios/LosSocios.html
Communication. Sponsors Collaborators
http://nica.fio.es/sole/antiamo/comunica/comunicav01.html
Calendario 2019 en PDF