This year, the Somme International Air Show took place on August 23 and 24, 2025, at Amiens–Henry Potez International Airport in Méaulte, near Amiens.
This major event, organized by Bleu Ciel Organisation, drew 20,000 spectators who came to enjoy the largest air show in the Hauts-de-France region.
A one-of-a-kind drone show to celebrate French aviation
On Saturday evening at 10 p.m., nearly 300 Allumee drones took to the skies over Méaulte to pay tribute to Henry Potez and celebrate the centennial of his iconic factory, marking 101 years of French aviation history.
The drone show, accompanied by a narrator’s voice, took the audience on a nine-minute journey through the history of aviation.
The drones recreated in the night sky the silhouettes of the iconic aircraft produced by the Potez factories over the decades. Spectators were treated to a display of the illuminated outlines of historic fighter jets, the prestigious Concorde, civilian airliners, and the imposing Airbus Beluga.
The drones recreated the silhouette of Henry Potez himself, adding a personal touch to this tribute to the man who left his mark on the French aviation industry for decades.
A narrative approach using storytelling that captivated the audience.
An Exceptional Weekend for Aviation Enthusiasts
The Somme International Air Show has reaffirmed its status as a must-attend event for aviation enthusiasts.
With more than 120 aircraft on the ground and in the air, the event featured a particularly rich and varied program.
Spectators were able to watch demonstrations by the Patrouille de France, admire the aerial maneuvers of the Rafale, F-16, and Gripen, and discover the capabilities of military transport aircraft such as the A400M and the C-130. Fans of historic aviation were not left out, thanks to the presence of legendary aircraft: Dakotas, Pitts, Corsairs, T-6s, Fokkers, Yaks, Spitfires, and Hurricanes took to the skies over Méaulte, evoking the golden age of 20th-century aviation.
The program also featured helicopter demonstrations, parachute jumps, and, of course, presentations of civilian and military drones, showcasing the technological advancements in the aviation sector.
A twilight show followed by a dazzling evening
On Saturday, the festivities began at 3:00 p.m. when the gates opened to the public. Numerous activities took place throughout the afternoon, allowing visitors to explore the aircraft on display and talk with the pilots and technical crews.
The twilight show began at 5:30 p.m., featuring demonstrations by fighter jets and foreign military aircraft in the golden light of late afternoon. This special program created a unique atmosphere, with the silhouettes of the aircraft standing out against the orange sky of the setting sun.
The evening then continued with Allumee’s drone show at 10 p.m., followed by a fireworks display that brought this first day to a spectacular close.
This blend of traditional and modern technologies, history and innovation, made a particularly strong impression on the audience members in attendance.
A Drone Show Celebrating Aviation Heritage
Drone light and sound shows are particularly well-suited for celebrating the history of aviation.
This technology makes it possible to faithfully recreate the silhouettes of historic aircraft against the night sky, creating a spectacular display that captivates audiences while conveying an educational and heritage-related message.
Allumee has already demonstrated its ability to highlight the leading figures in French aviation.
On July 13, the Lyon-based company put on a show in Muret to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the death of Clément Ader, a pioneer of French aviation. This performance paid tribute to the inventor of the Éole and highlighted his seminal role in the history of global aviation.
These two events perfectly illustrate the versatility of drone shows in celebrating different eras and figures in aviation.
Whether it’s Clément Ader and the early days of aviation or Henry Potez and the 20th-century aviation industry, drones make it possible to create visual narratives tailored to each story, each location, and each audience.
