Aero Legends’ new North Wales jet operations sell out months ahead of launch
Aero Legends’ Mach Loop Jet Experience has officially sold out — marking one of the fastest-selling aviation experiences ever offered by the company.
When the first 30 flight slots for summer 2026 were quietly released to a select group of existing customers, they sold out in just 72 hours. Following this overwhelming response, an additional 15 flights were authorised by Chief Pilot, Sean Chiddention, for September 2026 — and those too were fully booked within days.
In total, 45 Mach Loop flights from Aero Legends’ new base at Hawarden Airport, near Chester, have now been sold — months before they were due to go on general release.
The success of the Mach Loop launch highlights both the strength of the Aero Legends and Jet Legends brands and the growing demand for high-quality, authentic aviation experiences. As the UK’s only CAA-approved operator offering passenger flights in ex-military jets, Aero Legends continues to attract aviation enthusiasts eager to experience genuine military-style flying under expert guidance.
The Mach Loop flights were initially offered exclusively to existing customers before any public announcement. Within hours, Aero Legends received hundreds of enquiries from customers eager to secure a place — and from many more who were disappointed to have missed out.
“This level of interest was far beyond even our most optimistic expectations,” said Chief Pilot Sean Chiddention. “It reinforces how much people value what we do — offering genuine, hands-on access to the kind of flying that’s normally reserved for military pilots.”
Over a Year of Planning and Precision
The Mach Loop programme represents the culmination of more than a year of operational planning and coordination between Aero Legends, the Civil Aviation Authority, and Hawarden Airport. The result is an experience that meets the same meticulous safety, engineering, and service standards that have defined Jet Legends since its inception.
Operating from Hawarden’s Aviation Park Business Jet Centre, the new deployment includes full use of private briefing and lounge facilities for customers and guests, with aircraft supported by NWMAS engineers and ground crew brought in from North Weald.
“This wasn’t simply a case of moving aircraft,” Sean explained. “It required a complete operational deployment, with every process rebuilt to ensure we meet the same exacting standards our customers expect.”
The Experience
Each Mach Loop flight lasts approximately 35 minutes, with around 25 minutes airborne, taking passengers from Hawarden deep into the valleys of Central Wales and Snowdonia to complete a full lap of the world-famous ‘Mach Loop’ — a low-level training route used by NATO fast jet pilots.
Flying below the mountain tops at speeds of over 300 knots, passengers experience the full power and agility of the BAC Strikemaster, guided by Aero Legends’ team of ex-RAF and Red Arrows pilots.
The return leg includes aerobatic and combat manoeuvres, with passengers often invited to take brief control of the aircraft. Each flight features a full pre-flight briefing, live ejection seat orientation, and post-flight presentation of a signed print of their Strikemaster aircraft. Optional in-flight video packages allow customers to relive the experience from the cockpit.
The Only Experience of Its Kind
No other operator in the UK — or Europe — currently offers the opportunity to fly the Mach Loop in a military jet. Since launching its jet operations in 2023, Aero Legends has flown almost 300 passengers, offering a range of unique experiences from Red Arrows-style formation flying to Strikemaster–Spitfire formation flights.
The Mach Loop represents the next evolution of that legacy — combining precision, authenticity, and adventure in one unforgettable mission.
Looking Ahead
With all 2026 Mach Loop slots now sold, Aero Legends is already planning future expansions, including additional low-level and high-speed flight profiles from both North Weald and Hawarden.
“The demand we’ve seen shows just how special this experience is,” says Sean. “The Mach Loop flights represent the very best of British aviation — incredible scenery, exhilarating flying, and a world-class team making it all possible.”
All 2026 Mach Loop Jet Experiences are now fully sold out. To be among the first to hear about future availability, join the Aero Legends mailing list and follow our social media channels for upcoming announcements.
