October 25, 2012: The Indian Air Force's Vintage Flight (VF) has revved to life in style, with the first of a list of venerable old aircraft taking to the skies. A refurbished 1930s de Havilland Tiger Moth biplane was the darling at the IAF's 80th Air Force Day celebrations on the outskirts of Delhi, but the yellow bird will only be the first of what is set to be an enthralling new proposition for air display in the country—and indeed around the world.

The IAF is working with a British firm Reflight, which specialises in restoration of old aircraft, to bring to life a whole line-up of vintage birds that includes a Supermarine Spitfire, Harvard bomber, Westland Wapiti (the IAF's first aircraft), a Hawker Hurricane, Hawker Tempest, de Havilland Vampire and a HAL/Folland Gnat. Inspired by the Royal Air Force's vintage flight, several IAF veterans had put forth the idea a few years ago, urging the leadership to consider a vintage flight in India, making use the unique collection of aircraft that the IAF has, several of them in fairly good condition.

When the IAF VF is ready, it will be part of air displays and demonstrations in India and around the world. But there is much work ahead, and the IAF will be watching closely as its birds of yore spread their wings once again.