It’s one day before the big show and pilots and ground crew are working hard to prepare for the Abbotsford International Airshow.
This year’s theme is a salute to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and it’s 70-year history in Abbotsford.
Jim Reith, the new president of Abbotsford’s airshow, said the theme is an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding relationship between the airshow and the RCAF.
He said the RCAF has been supporters of the show for the 51 years the show has been operating, and the Snowbirds have performed in Abbotsford every year since they came into existence.
“It’s a great partnership and so this was a good year to celebrate that partnership. They have stepped up big time and given us almost every single type of aircraft in the Canadian Forces inventory.”
Reith said that aviation plays an important role in Canada’s history, as it “opened up the nation.”
“Canada is an aviation country, I don’t think there is anyone else on earth that has the kind of aviation history that we have here.”
He said that history will be on display at the show, with an array of planes visiting from the Canadian Museum of Flight, including Tiger Moths, Harvards and Spitfires.
Reith, a former Snowbird, said their performance is one that he is looking forward to this weekend, but added that there will be no shortage of exhilarating demonstrations.
Reith said that the airshow “puts Abbotsford on the map.” He added that it has repeatedly been ranked one of the top airshows in the world, and “this year will cement that reputation.”
The airshow begins tomorrow (Aug. 9) and runs until Sunday.
For more airshow coverage, check abbynews.com.
