On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the Swiss Air Force marked a thrilling milestone as its newest aerobatic ambassadors, the PC-21 Solo Display team, took to the skies for their inaugural public performance as an official display team. The debut unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of Neuchâtel Aerodrome, a fitting stage for an event that blended cutting-edge aviation with Switzerland’s rich aeronautical legacy. The occasion was part of the much-anticipated “Neuchâtel Aerodrome is Yours” open day, drawing crowds eager to witness this historic moment in Swiss military aviation.

The day itself was a rare treat for aviation enthusiasts and locals alike, as Neuchâtel Aerodrome—typically a closed-off facility—opened its gates wide to the public. Situated in Colombier, Neuchâtel, this airfield is nestled in the scenic Plaine d’Areuse region, a stone’s throw from Lake Neuchâtel. With its runways silenced for the day, the aerodrome transformed into a bustling hub of activity, offering a unique glimpse into a world usually reserved for military and aviation professionals.

Swiss Air Force PC-21 Solo Display / Festa Aerodromo Neuchâtel 2025

Organized by the non-profit association “Neuchâtel Aerodrome is Yours,” the open day ran from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., inviting visitors of all ages to explore the grounds. The association, dedicated to promoting the aerodrome and celebrating the region’s aeronautical heritage, curated an event that went beyond the thrill of flight. Stands brimmed with local crafts, arts, and sports displays, while live music filled the air and restaurants dished out regional flavours. A static lineup of airplanes and vintage cars added a tangible link to aviation’s past, but it was the aerial spectacles that truly stole the show.

At the heart of the event was the Pilatus PC-21, the star of the Swiss Air Force’s newest display team flown by the Commander of the PC-7 Team Lt Col Daniel “Stampa” Stämpfli. This turboprop-powered advanced trainer, measuring 11.23 meters in length with a 9.10-meter wingspan, is a sleek and agile machine built by Switzerland’s own Pilatus Aircraft. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B engine, the PC-21 can hit speeds of up to 685 km/h, offering jet-like performance in a cost-effective training platform. Its pressurized tandem cockpit and advanced digital avionics make it a vital tool for preparing pilots for modern combat aircraft. Since its introduction to the Swiss Air Force in 2008, the PC-21 has been a linchpin in the nation’s pilot training program, with eight aircraft stationed at Emmen Air Base—the home of both the training fleet and the Solo Display team.

The PC-21 Solo Display’s debut in 2025 came as a deliberate evolution for the Swiss Air Force. Earlier this year, the F/A-18 Hornet Solo Display was suspended to redirect resources toward operational missions and pilot training—a pragmatic move amid growing demands on the force. In its place, the PC-21 Solo Display emerged, tasked with showcasing the modern, forward-thinking approach to training Swiss military pilots. This wasn’t just a substitution; it was a statement of intent, highlighting the PC-21’s versatility and the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a vibrant airshow presence.

The skies above Neuchâtel buzzed with more than just the PC-21’s solo routine. The event also featured the Patrouille Suisse, Switzerland’s legendary aerobatic team, whose six Northrop F-5E Tiger II jets painted the sky with precision and power. Formed in 1964, the Patrouille Suisse has long been a symbol of Swiss excellence in aviation, their red-and-white liveried jets executing manoeuvres that demand split-second timing and unyielding skill. Their performance at Neuchâtel was a crowd favourite, a reminder of why they’ve captivated audiences worldwide for over six decades.

Adding a touch of nostalgia was the Swiss Classic Formation, a graceful ensemble featuring a Douglas C-47 Skytrain and three Beechcraft Model 18 Twin Beeches. The C-47, a workhorse of mid-20th-century aviation, lumbered through the sky with a dignity that belied its age, while the Twin Beeches danced alongside, their radial engines humming a tune from a bygone era. Together, they offered a poignant counterpoint to the high-tech wizardry of the PC-21 and the raw speed of the F-5Es, weaving a narrative that spanned generations of flight.

What elevated the day from impressive to unforgettable, however, was the collaboration that followed. After its solo performance—a dizzying array of loops, rolls, and high-speed passes—the PC-21 joined forces with the Patrouille Suisse and the Swiss Classic Formation for a series of special formation flypasts. This wasn’t just a display of skill; it was a symbolic passing of the torch, marking the PC-21 Solo Display’s first airshow outing as an official Swiss Air Force team. The sight of the sleek trainer weaving through the sky alongside the roaring jets and vintage props was a visual feast, a celebration of Switzerland’s past, present, and future in the air.

For those in the know, the PC-21’s appearance might have stirred memories of its rare outings in years past—at the AXALP live-fire demonstration, the Emmen AirShow in 2019, or the Sion Airshow in 2017. Back then, it was a one-off display, not an official display team. That changed in 2025, and Neuchâtel Aerodrome bore witness to its formal arrival on the airshow circuit. The significance wasn’t lost on the crowd, who watched as the PC-21 looped and rolled in a choreographed ballet of power and precision.

As the day drew to a close, the aerodrome’s runways fell silent once more, but the energy of the event lingered. The “Neuchâtel Aerodrome is Yours” open day had delivered on its promise of inclusivity and festivity, uniting generations in a shared appreciation of flight. For the Swiss Air Force, it was a triumph—a chance to unveil the PC-21 Solo Display to the world and reaffirm its place at the forefront of military aviation. Above all, it was a day that reminded everyone present why the skies remain a canvas for human ingenuity, painted anew with every daring pass and soaring climb.

Swiss Air Force's PC-21 Solo Display Debuts at Neuchâtel Aerodrome

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