Following the retirement of the Airshow's previous Flying Display Director, Brian Lewis, who spent 14 years at the helm, a new Flying Display Director needed to be appointed to compile a varied flying programme for the event and to oversee its safe delivery.

Paul Bayfield, Managing Director of Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival, said that he was delighted to announce that the man selected for the role is a former RAF Red Arrows Team Leader turned Virgin Atlantic Captain, Tim Miller.

Tim has had a very enviable flying carrier (he would say lucky) both as a display pilot and display director. He was the RAF Harrier display pilot for several years before being selected to fly for the Red Arrows where he subsequently completed six seasons; the last three as the Team Leader. 

After leaving the RAF he became a commercial pilot and he is now a senior training Captain with Virgin Atlantic flying the Airbus A340 600.  He is also a very experienced display director and has run numerous airshows. He has been the Display Director for the Goodwood Festival of Speed since its conception in 1993. In addition he has also run all the Goodwood Revival displays and several Fly to the Past events at Blenheim Palace.

Tim regularly flies globally indeed at time of writing he's just returned from a trip to Sydney and Hong Kong.  He still enjoys aerobatics and in his spare time – as he puts it – will fly anything that he can turn upside-down!

There is a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes organising a show such as Lowestoft.  Before even considering what the content of the show might be there are numerous licences and CAA clearances that need to be applied for. 

Both Tim and the local organisers are currently waiting for confirmation from the Royal Air Force of which military aircraft and display teams will be allocated to the town for the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival on 23rd & 24th June 2012. In addition he is in close contact with other civilian teams and individuals so we can provide a diverse and exciting show for all to enjoy.

Tim said "I enjoyed flying at Lowestoft as a display pilot and I'm absolutely delighted to be returning as the Display Director. Brian Lewis has done an excellent job over the last 14 years and he has created a sound foundation on which I and the team can build"