The Skyvan photoship returned to Finnish airspace for the first time since 2018, when the Finnish Air Force celebrated its 100th anniversary. In just five years, the aviation and geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically, and with Finland now a NATO member, expectations for the annual airshow were understandably high. While a handful of planned join-ups—most notably the F-35s and a Latvian Antonov An-2—did not materialise due to operational constraints, the overall result more than made up for it. What followed was a rich, diverse, and visually stunning project over one of the most beautiful backdrops in Northern Europe.

Hosted in the coastal city of Turku, the airshow offered a spectacular aerial stage defined by shoreline, islands, and Finland’s iconic lake landscape. Weather conditions could hardly have been better, delivering full sunshine throughout the flying programme. The Finnish Air Force provided outstanding support, bringing a strong lineup of assets for the Skyvan missions. Although the Midnight Hawks were unfortunately still grounded, photographers were treated to the raw power of a three-ship F-18 Hornet formation and an elegant two-ship of Tutor trainers, setting the tone for a weekend defined by formation flying.

Rotary-wing operations proved to be a major highlight. We were treated to impressive two-ship formations of NH90 and MD-500 helicopters—the latter an exceptionally rare sight. The Border Guard added further depth with their Dornier Do228, while special thanks went to the H215 crew who made the effort to fly specifically for our mission after resolving a mechanical issue the previous day. Historic aviation also played a key role, with a rare air-to-air join-up of a Vampire in Finnish markings, a unique opportunity seldom available anywhere in Europe.

Aerobatic and civilian participation added colour and variety. The Christen Eagle and two Extra aircraft delivered dynamic smoke-filled passes, while the elegant five-ship Saab Safir formation closed one of the days in warm, late-evening light. A first for the Aviation PhotoCrew in Finland came with the Phenom business jet from the Finnish Flight Academy, whose crew delivered a masterclass in precision positioning. International participation remained strong, with aircraft from the Baltic states—including a Lithuanian Dauphin, LET-410, and Estonian M28—as well as Swedish Gripens, and the surprise appearance of both a Black Hawk and C-130, marking our first opportunity to photograph these types air-to-air in Finland.

Jet highlights followed in force. Denmark’s F-16 “Dannebrog” demo jet brought flares and colour, joined by Belgium’s Dream Viper, and timed perfectly with a Swiss F-18 duo for a rare combined formation. Excitement peaked further with the arrival of a Polish Su-22, an increasingly rare Cold War icon, and concluded with the imposing presence of a C-17 Globemaster from the Strategic Airlift Wing, flown by an international crew that included a Finnish pilot. The Turku airshow was expertly directed by Perttu Karivalo, whose support over many years made some of Finland’s most unique air-to-air opportunities possible. Unknown to us at the time, this would be our final project together. His passing later that year left a lasting mark on the European airshow community—but his legacy lives on in moments like these. With memories, images, and gratitude in abundance, Finland will most certainly see the Skyvan again.