Air Show Industry Good News Update

Although the COVID pandemic continues to have negative impact on many ICAS members in the U.S., Canada and around the world, the worldwide air show community is starting to get some good news. Our member organizations are diligently working in this difficult environment and we continue our effort to share good news whenever we can. 

BUFFALO, NY

The recently announced Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show will take the place of the Thunder of Niagara Air Show that was canceled back in March due to public health concerns. The show will be held June 19 and 20 as a drive-in event on the waterfront of the Outer Harbor in Buffalo, NY, and will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Air Force F-16 Viper demo team, the CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team, Rob Holland, and others. 

"Buffalo is one of the only large cities on the Great Lakes that doesn't have an air show annually. It's pretty exciting that – as someone born and raised here – I can help bring this kind of event to Buffalo," said air show director Ben Canetti said.

VIP seating locations will also be available, allowing air show fans a reserved outdoor space, private restrooms, unlimited beverages, and a reserved parking space for their experience. 

NEWINGTON, NH

Late last week, organizers announced the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show, scheduled for September 11 and 12 at the Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire. Featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the event will include a “standard” style show with free admission and a limited quantity of premium seating options available for purchase. "We have already seen incredible support from our community and our corporate partners,” said Jim Ryan, president of the New Hampshire Military Assistance Foundation, the non-profit organization co-producing the show along with Herb Gillen Airshows and Wingman Events. 

Performers also include the U.S. Special Operations Command Paracommandos Jump Team, Scott Yoak in his “Quicksilver” P-51 Mustang, Rob Holland, Mike Wiskus/Lucas Oil Airshows, and Greg Colyer in his T-33 jet. The initial ground display lineup includes several KC- 46A’s from Pease ANGB, F-35A Lightning II’s, F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-15C Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolts, P-8 Poseidon, C-130J Super Hercules and many others. 

DAYTON, OH

Late last week, organizers of the Dayton Air Show announced that it was changing formats again. Scheduled for July 10 and 11, the show will now be conducted as a traditional show. The Ohio Governor’s recent announcement to end health restrictions in June has allowed the show to revert back from their previously planned drive-in style show. Headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the show will also include the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Shockwave Jet Truck, Lucas Oil Airshows, Jacquie B. Air Shows, and more to be announced. 

“Hurray! We are back to a normal show,” proclaimed Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the United States Air and Trade Show Board of Trustees, producers of the event. “It’s been a long time since we have been able to do this.” Static aircraft and exhibits will return for public viewing along with many initiatives to help guests feel safe, such as hand sanitation stations, physically-distanced seating, and routine cleaning of high-tough surfaces on the air show grounds. 

BELGIUM

Across the pond, good news is trending as well with the announcement of the return of the International Sanicole Airshow in Hechtel, Belgium. Planned for September 10, 11, and 12, the air show will include the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, Belgian Air Force F-16 demo, Swiss F-5 Tiger and F/A-18 Hornet, Hungarian Gripen demo, French Rafale and Hawkeye demo, Polish F-16 demo, and the Czech Air Force Sokol, Hind, and Hip demos, amongst other performers to be announced at a later date. Due to a required reduced capacity to meet public health and safety guidelines, the show has added a Friday evening air show to their weekend lineup. A fully-seated show with static aircraft and attractions will give families and fans added entertainment options throughout the weekend.

“Our team has not been idle these past few months and we have been hard at work for the 2021 Sanicole Airshow,” said Geoffrey Buekenberghs, Air Show Director of the International Sanicole Airshow. “This will be an edition that may still look a little different than the previous 41, but we are convinced we have come up with a setup that ensures another top edition, in all safety.”