On July 30, Gia Lam airport in Hanoi was bustling as Air Force Brigade 918 gathered for flight training ahead of their performance during the national celebration.

Two C212i aircraft and one C212-400 fly in an A-shaped formation.

After completing thorough technical checks and engine startup procedures, the pilots prepared to take off.

Inside the cockpit of a C212 transport aircraft

A C212-400 aircraft takes off and joins the two C212i aircraft to perform the formation flight.

The three C212 aircraft formed an arrow-shaped formation in the skies over Hanoi.

This marks the first time in 40 years that Air Force Brigade 918 has been assigned a formation flight mission for a major national event.

To ensure a successful formation flight, the pilots must maintain precise distance and timing as they pass over the grandstand, regardless of weather conditions.

Meanwhile, a C295 transport aircraft performed solo flights, taking off and landing repeatedly at Gia Lam airport.

The C295 is currently the largest and most modern transport aircraft in the Vietnam Air Force, capable of carrying over 23 tons of cargo and more than 70 personnel.

Brigade 918 will continue training in formation flights involving four aircraft, led by a C295 and followed by three C212 aircraft.

After about three hours of training, all transport aircraft of Air Force Brigade 918 safely landed at Gia Lam Airport.

Pilot Nguyen Quan Anh expressed his joy after completing the training flight and reaffirmed his determination to successfully fulfill the mission at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.