Greek Air Force pilot to fly F-16 in Thessaloniki parade

Lieutenant Colonel Christos-Paris Haritos will fly an F-16 fighter jet over Thessaloniki's waterfront on Monday, October 26 at noon, ahead of the October 28 national holiday parade.

Haritos, who has more than 1,500 flight hours on F-16 aircraft and more than 1,900 total flight hours, was selected to perform the Zeus aerobatic team demonstration on October 28.

“Becoming an Air Force pilot was my childhood dream, and I am very grateful that I achieved it.”

He joined the Icarus School in 2006 and was assigned to the 115 Combat Wing in 2012, where he flies F-16 Block 52+ aircraft with the 340 Squadron.

Haritos said in a 2023 radio interview that becoming an Air Force pilot had been his childhood dream and that the profession requires great dedication.

He previously flew over Thessaloniki during the October 28, 2023 parade and has taken part in Zeus team demonstrations both in Greece and abroad.

The test flight will feature a low pass over the waterfront followed by a steep vertical climb, with the jet's roar expected to draw applause from spectators.