Air Force marks 721 Squadron centenary with flights over Denmark

Denmark’s oldest Air Force squadron will mark its 100th anniversary with a double flight over the country on Monday, DR reports. Hercules and Challenger aircraft will fly in formation over Danish air bases.

The route honours the tasks carried out by Squadron 721 since 1926, both internationally and within the Kingdom of Denmark. The flight is also a training exercise for the crews, with low-level flying planned where the route allows.

The aircraft are scheduled to take off from Aalborg Air Base at 8.40, then fly over Karup at 9.05, Billund at 9.16 and Skrydstrup Air Base at 9.25. The route continues over Assens at 9.31, Nyborg at 9.37, Korsør at 9.43 and the former Avnø Air Base at 9.50, before reaching Køge at 10.00, Brøndby Harbour at 10.10, Amalienborg in Copenhagen at 10.12, Kronborg in Helsingør at 10.20 and Værløse Air Base at 10.27. The flight is due to arrive at Skalstrup Air Base near Roskilde at about 10.35.

Squadron 721 was formed on 12 October 1926 under the Naval Air Service. Its aircraft were then seaplanes fitted with floats so they could land on water. The squadron now operates Hercules and Challenger aircraft, as well as small T-17 training planes. Its duties include transport for the state and the royal family. It is also one of the world’s oldest squadrons.