Abbotsford Airshow this weekend promises new and old favourites
Jets, warbirds, aerobatic teams and more are scheduled under blue skies this weekend
Calling all aviation enthusiasts! The Abbotsford International Airshow is back this weekend, promising aeronautical treats for all.
The three days of displays and aerial performances — not to mention food and entertainment — begin when gates open Friday at 3:30 p.m. PT.
Vancouver was treated to an early show on Thursday as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds made their way to Abbotsford via a downtown audience.
The theme of this year's show is "heroes of the skies" and CBC cameras were there on Thursday to capture arrivals and practice flights for some of the performers.
Performances include the French Breitling Jet Team on the last year of their North American Tour, and the world's largest professional civilian aerobatics team, the Canadian Forces Skyhawks, just to name a few.
And, of course: fighter jets, vintage fighters and aerobatic displays will be putting on a good show as always.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will perform nightly at 6 p.m. followed by a fireworks finale.
F-35 makes first visit to Canada
But perhaps among the most anticipated visitors this weekend are two of Lockheed Martin's stealth aircraft — the F-35.
It's the first time this fighter has ever visited Canada, so it's a first chance for many to check out one of the planes in the running to replace the country's aging CF-18 fighter jets.
- F-35 clears major hurdle as US air force declares it combat-ready
- Liberals pay $33 million to stay in F-35 program, despite not committing to buy them
- Harjit Sajjan going back to drawing board on fighter jets, launching consultations
The federal Liberal government promised during last year's election campaign that it would hold an open competition to replace the CF-18 fleet, but it also pledged not to buy the F-35.
Boeing's Super Hornet fighter jet will also be there — it's the main rival to the F-35.
One F-35 aircraft will be on display all weekend, but will be guarded by a police officer 24 hours a day.
The forecast for this weekend is CAVU, a military term for "Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited" — perfect flying weather.
