Sunderland Airshow 2019 cancellation and a new arrival with the SK35C Draken

Two Pitts Special aircraft which were due to appear at the Sunderland International Airshow have had to cancel all appearances.

The Wildcat Aerobatics duo, based in Norfolk, were also due to appear at Whitby Regatta and shows in Norfolk, East Kirkby, Cromer and Portrush.

The team are not to be confused with the RAF Wildcat helicopter which will be there, along with HMS St Albans, where it will land.

HMS St Albans arrives at the Port of Holyhead for North Wales Armed Forces Day (Daily Post Wales)

The Swiss Air Force, whose PC7 Team effectively fill the gap left by the Red Arrows , who are not able to appear at Sunderland Airshow this year, will also now feature their historic flight SK35C Draken.

The Swedish Draken aircraft attended the Skylive Airshow at Durham Tees Valley Airport on August 29, 2015 (Evening Gazette)

The Wildcats announced on their Facebook page on July 15: "It is with an overwhelming sense of sadness and disappointment that, due to a significant aircraft unserviceability issue, one of our Pitts Special aircraft is out of action for the foreseeable future.

Regrettably, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to source a stand-in aircraft which means that we are going to be unable to display for the remainder of the 2019 season."

HMS St Albans, which has just moved base from Portsmouth to Devonport, will be offshore to help show off the RAF Wildcat helicopter, which is specifically designed to operate from the Royal Navy's frigates and destroyers.