Promising the finest civilian and military aerobatic performances in the world, Canada’s premier aviation festival is back.
This is the 60th anniversary of the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) agreement and to celebrate, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the US Air Force (USAF) will perform a commemorative flypast in formation.
“This is pretty much the most unique bilateral defence partnership in the world,” said Dave Reith, Operations Manager.
The 2018 Abbotsford International Airshow takes place Aug. 10, 11 and 12. Designated Canada’s National airshow, it’s committed to aviation excellence, aerospace advancement, and community participation.
From 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. the Friday Twilight Show features the US Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, CF-18 Hornet Twilight Demo and a fireworks finale.
Saturday and Sunday are full-day shows with flying events, attractions, exhibits and concessions.
“We have a fantastic lineup of award-winning civilian performers including local resident Rob ‘Scratch’ Mitchell flying in the Acemaker T-33 Shooting Star Jet,” said Reith.
Other featured performances are demos from fan-favourite A-10 Thunderbolt II, RCAF Search and Rescue, USAF Heritage Flight and SkyHawks Parachute Demonstration Team.
After a 15-year absence, the US Navy Blue Angels return to the Abbotsford International Airshow to co-headline with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. The Blue Angels will fly all three days of the airshow.
With more than 14 acres of entertainment and interactive activities for all ages, ground attractions include a virtual reality arcade, static aircraft display, autograph book and the Science of Flight presented by Science World.
A new attraction for 2018 is The Grandstand: A Craft Beer Experience. This fenced-in 19+ beer garden features DJ music between flying events, ground-level seating and a dozen craft breweries to sample. Tickets to The Grandstand include airshow admission. Airshow tickets can be upgraded to The Grandstand at the gate.
Nightly camping as well as full weekend campground passes are available for all three days of the show.
From August 10 to 12, the 56th annual Abbotsford International Airshow takes place at the Abbotsford International Airport. Located at 30440 Liberator Avenue, tickets are available online, in-store at Save-On-Foods Lower Mainland locations and at the King Road Entrance at the show. Visit abbotsfordairshow.com for show details, campground information and ticket upgrade options.