British Columbia·Video

B.C.'s Abbotsford Airshow celebrates 50 years

The CBC's Renee Filippone checks in with former fighter pilot Jim Reith, who has been air boss for 12 years, and the Canadian military's Snowbirds demonstration squad, which has been with the show for 42 years.

Snowbirds celebrate

12 years ago
Duration 1:40
Canadian military jet pilots help mark the Abbotsford Airshow's 50th anniversary

The CBC's Renee Filippone checks in with former fighter pilot Jim Reith, who has been air boss for 12 years, and the Canadian military's Snowbirds demonstration squad, which has been with the show for 42 years.

The Abbotsford Airshow, which is on Friday until Sunday, had its start in 1962 when the Abbotsford Flying Club decided to promote the local airport, which was inactive at the time.

In 1969, a Boeing 747 made its Canadian debut at the show and 20 years later, in 1989, the show was host to a number of Soviet aircraft making their North American debuts.