Abbotsford International Airshow 2019

Text and photography by Divan Muller

Despite rainy weather, tens of thousands of enthusiasts attended this year’s spectacular airshow held in Abbotsford, BC.

From relatively humble beginnings in 1962, the Abbotsford International Airshow has grown tremendously over the past 57 years. This year, the show was held from August 9 to 11. It was a rainy weekend, but there was still much to see and do at the event. The static display included a German Air Force Airbus Military A400M, as well as a replica Eurofighter Typhoon. Airshow attendees could also see a US Air Force (USAF) A-10 Thunderbolt ii, F-16C Fighting Falcon and C-5 Galaxy, as well as several Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Other interesting aircraft on display included a PBY Canso and Bellanca CH-400.

As a result of the rainy weather, the USAF Thunderbirds’s F-16s were unable to fly on the Saturday, but they did take off and thrill the airshow crowd on the Sunday. Other highlights included the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds, the RCAF’s CF-18 demonstration aircraft, the RCAF C-177 Globemaster iii and US Navy Tailhook Legacy Flight, which consisted of two Super Hornets, led by an A-1 Skyraider. Various warbirds, such as P-51 Mustangs, a P-47 and P-38, not to mention aircraft of the Canadian Museum of Flight, could be seen in action. Of course, the show is also known for its variety of food, educational exhibits and activities for children, fireworks and outdoor concerts. It is little wonder that the show has been proven to have a considerable impact on the local economy. The airshow’s app has also been quite useful and certainly made it easier to navigate the show and follow its schedule.