The the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team perform at Airshow London, September 24, 2017. Photo courtesy of Becky Malacaria.The the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team perform at Airshow London, September 24, 2017. Photo courtesy of Becky Malacaria.
London

Airshow A Soaring Success

Hot, humid, and record breaking weather couldn't keep aviation enthusiasts away from Airshow London.

The three-day spectacle, now in its second year, drew roughly 35,000 people to the London International Airport Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That represents a steady increase from the 20,000 people who passed through the airshow gates in 2016.

"It was absolutely a success," said Dave De Kelver, executive director of Airshow London. "We had a terrific line up with 65 planes in the sky, 260 crew members who spent four great nights in our hotels. The crowds were big and the food vendors were doing great business. Everyone had a good experience and we are getting a great response."

With temperatures climbing above 30 C and feeling closer to 40 C with the humidity, De Kelver said keeping spectators hydrated was their first priority.

"We stocked up on water. We went through literally 15 skids of water this weekend and I think we bought every ice bag in the city," said De Kelver. "We had our announcer keep reminding people to stay hydrated and the volunteers, who were phenomenal this week, were going through the crowds just to make sure if there was anybody feeling the heat we got them some water and made sure they were ok."

The summer-like conditions were in contrast to last year's airshow, when aircraft were grounded on the first day due to thunder and lightning.

Airshow London was the largest display of military aircraft in Canada and the third largest in North America. Spectators were given the opportunity to climb inside the planes and chat with the pilots. Among the aircraft featured this weekend were the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team, the CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team, and the US Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.

A team of more than 500 volunteers worked to get the grounds in shape leading up to the event, and worked in areas like gate admissions, hospitality, and site management through the weekend.

"We are a non-for-profit so we can't survive without those volunteers," said De Kelver. "We have tons of them come from Fanshawe College and many from the retirement community. It was just phenomenal to see how hard they work and what they would do to make sure the event was good. All of our air crews from out of town, that was the one thing they all remarked about was how terrific all of the volunteers were."

Volunteers and airshow officials will work Monday to clear the grounds of any remnants of the show, allowing the London airport to return to normal operations on Tuesday.

Preparations for next year's airshow began two months ago. Dates and attraction details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Airshow London raises money for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, veteran’s charities, and scholarships and bursaries at Fanshawe College's Norton Wolf School of Aviation Technology.

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