We Bid You Adieu

Another successful year has come to an end. Stay tuned for next year's show August 9th, 10th and 11th.

The hardest part of an airshow is not in the organization, scheduling, and operation of the event. It's the good-byes. The airfield is alive with energy and
enthusiasm on the hot ramp, static display and throughout the spectators area for three exciting days of the year. But when the last Snowbird jet taxis in on Sunday evening, we know it's the end. Crowds funnel through the gates, performers shut down their aircraft and exhibitors tear down their stands signaling the grand finale. A bitter sweet sensation for us all to watch.

The 50th anniversary airshow will perhaps make the history books. Will it be because of the attendance? Perhaps the souvenirs and concession sales?

The flawless performances? Maybe the social media attention?

Not one single factor alone can take all the credit for the success that will forever be associated with the 2012 Abbotsford Airshow weekend. But there is

one thing for certain, without the fans this show would not nearly be as eventful. The tremendous outpouring of support both on the ground and online have

reached new levels and we cannot end this season without acknowledging how grateful we are for it. Did we get all the aircraft we requested? No. Did we offer a unique and varied line-up of air and ground displays? Yes. And, did crowds leave with smiles

on their faces? Well, from what we saw from approximately 130,000 spectators over the course of the three days, you looked fairly jubilant to us. That is what will go down in the history books about the 2012 golden anniversary show.

Thank-you, please come see us again in 2013!

www.abbotsfordairshow.com

Today's Airshow Industry

The Abbotsford International Airshow Society is quite honoured to have a spectacular lineup of military and civilian aviation. We have worked hard to successfully attract a wide spectrum of aviation favourites for our 50th Anniversary show, which will make it certainly one of the best airshow in Canada and among the handful of top shows in North America this year.

Recently, we have been fielding questions as to why we are not able to secure more military performers, particularly from the United States. Let us outline some of the challenges faced in the airshow industry in this era of restrictive military budgets.

There is a process whereby airshow committees must submit their "wish list" to each of the respective military services but that does not necessarily guarantee a booking. The big challenge is that all services in Canada and the US are facing major budget cutbacks in reaction to the economy, which translates into fewer flying hours available. Airshow participation is a low priority tasking, measured against operations and training, both at home and abroad. For example, the USAF made the decision last December to stand down five of their six single-ship demo teams (the A-10 East & West, F-16 East & West, and the F-15E Strike Eagle) leaving only the F-22 Raptor, which is already impacted with a reduced show schedule compared to previous years.

On a positive side, we are thrilled to have the USAF's premier airshow asset, the Thunderbirds, to help celebrate our 50th anniversary show, as well as the US Navy's Super Hornet demo team, the US Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter, and the Heritage Flight formation consisting of a USAF F-16 and a Second World War warbird.

In fact, the Heritage Flight program was able to continue after the USAF single-ship demos were stood down because certain pilots, many of whom have previous single ship training and experience, were designated to the program. We are very fortunate to have one such aircraft here for our show weekend.

This year, we have had several discussions to secure foreign military service aircraft including Britain, France, Germany, Holland, Russia, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Brazil. Again, budget cutbacks are the leading constraint facing these air forces. Fortunately, we did secure a Dutch KDC-10 as part of the 2012 static line-up. However, for the majority, consideration must be given mainly to military aircraft based here in North America and are on a training assignment as it gives them more leverage to participate in a show. We would love to once again feature the USMC Harrier. However, the US Harrier fleet has been considerably reduced performing in fewer and fewer shows with the majority reserved for US show sites, understandably.

Fans and supporters of the Abbotsford International Airshow, we feel your frustration as we field your questions. Hopefully, this brief insight into today�s airshow industry will shed more light on the difficulties that we are encountering, much the same as most other North American shows. Fortunately, AIAS has maintained a great relationship over the years with both Canadian and US military services and we will continue to build on these relationships as we navigate through the new airshow environment.

Performers

Canadian Forces Snowbirds, US Air fORCE thunderbirds, Canadian fORCES cf-18 Hornet, Canadian Forces Skyhawks, US Coast Guard h-65 Dolphin, B-25 Mitchell, Spitfire-Mark IX, P-51 Mustang, A-1 Skyraider, Hawker Sea Fury, USAF Heritage Flight Team, Fouga, red Bull Air Force, IndyBoys Jet Schoolbus, On the Tarmac, B-52 Stratofortress, C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster, C-130- J Supler Hercules, CC-115 Buffalo, CP-140 Aurora,

CC-150 polaris, KC-10 Extender, KC-135 Stratotanker, KDC-10 Netherlands, CH-124 Sea King, CH-146 Griffon, CH-149 Cormorant, MH-65 Dolphin, UN-1N Iroquois, f-16 Falcon, F015 Eagle, EA-6B Prowler, CT-142 Dash 8, CT-156 Harvard, and more great aircraft.

Although a much heralded appearance by the new United States Air Force stealth fighter, F-22 Raptor, was surprisingly cancelled, the 2011 edition of Canada�s Airshow, August 12, 13 & 14, still put up one heck of a full-on-show. The weather was decent; the �Singleton Tower� guys were in fine form and the crowds looked great.

The flying program was a superb blend of civilian acts, displays and military demonstrations with a host of associated ground activities included. Excitement and thrills for all. And, plenty of side exhibits, static aircraft, vendors and such, were open throughout the day � 8:00am-6:00 pm.