Walkers on the White Cliffs enjoyed a spectacle when British Airways’ first A380 and a jet from the Red Arrows team joined up for a fly-past by the South Foreland Lighthouse.

The location was chosen to welcome the biggest passenger plane ever built, all due to the history of the coastal area.

British Airways’ senior first officer Peter Nye, who was on flight deck for the first A380’s arrival into London on July 4, was at the controls.

He said: “I’m having a month of career highlights, first the delivery of the first A380 to British Airways’ Heathrow home, and now the opportunity to fly with a Red Arrow.

“The White Cliffs of Dover were an amazing backdrop and helped us to display the best of British.”

Monday’s spectacle took in the National Trust’s newly acquired 0.8 mile stretch of the White Cliffs of Dover, which was bought last year the KM was the media partner of the appeal.

Gareth Wiltshire, visitor experience manager at the National Trust’s White Cliffs of Dover added: “We are delighted to be part of the symbolic celebration of British Airways’ A380 passenger jet.

“We have a history linked to British technology and ingenuity and welcomed Monday’s display with British Airways and the Red Arrows. Visitors at the cliffs and lighthouse certainly had an additional thrilling experience.”