The sensational aircraft is just the latest addition to an outstanding line-up for the free weekend show, organised by Coleraine Borough Council in association with the Kennedy Group.

Although the Airbus had touched down in the Republic of Ireland a few years ago this will be Ireland’s first “flying display” where the pilot will perform manoeuvres not normally seen in commercial flying.

The unique appearance will be a huge draw to award-winning event, which also features the Red Arrows and Eurofighter Typhoon on both days.

Not only will there be giants in the sky but also on the water with the first visit to Northern Ireland of RFA Largs Bay, a 180 metre Royal Navy support ship - that’s one and a half times bigger than the HSS ferry. The ship will act as platform for a Royal Marines Commando beach landing involving landing craft and Sea King helicopters.

Organisers have been careful to include a wide range of aircraft from a World War 2 Spitfire, carbon-fibre stunt planes, cold war jets, a Vietnam War helicopter, right up to the latest RAF fighters.

There will be over 20 air displays and a full programme of ground shows with gates opening at 11am each day. Saturday evening will also see Portrush’s biggest fireworks display for many years.

The aircraft, MSN1, is an Airbus test aircraft. It will be flown by a five-man crew, including Harry Nelson, a former RAF pilot and a Royal Aeronautical Society Fellow.

In between the fabulous displays by the Red Arrows and the Eurofighter Typhoon, spectators of all ages can take in some of the shows at the Tesco Family Entertainment Arena which once again boasts a full programme of world class acts over both days.

The Vander Brothers will be jetting in from South Africa to present a brand new show for 2009. This Irish debut will feature the Brothers on a three-pronged “Space Wheel” spinning over 40 feet in the air with all three Brothers running around the individual wheels attached to the long arms. The boys performed their show to a world-wide TV audience just before the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix.

The Crazy Bears Roadshow from England is another brand new show for 2009 and involves a full stage show with cuddly bear characters singing and dancing their way through a breathless set. Younger children in particular will love to see the show again and again.

Also on show will be the Rapide Brothers, a clown duo, bursting with circus skills and loads of laughs for little kids and big kids.

Tesco will be re-running the very popular Eye in the Sky Competition where a passing aircraft takes crowd shots which will appear in all Tesco stores for the following two weeks.