Airshow London returns with Snowbirds, WW2 aircraft and drone show in schedule

The 2023 edition of Airshow London starts on Friday, with several new features the organizers say will make for a memorable show.

Airshow London, which has been heralded as the best airshow in North America, has been running since 2016, but this year marks the 95th year of air shows in London overall.

"What you're going to see is a fast-paced, solid air display," said Jim Graham, chair of the Airshow London board. "Every year we seem to raise the bar higher for ourselves as far as what people get to see."

Airshow London is a not-for-profit designed to raise funds and awareness for Children's Health Foundation, veterans' support charities and aviation scholarships for students. 

The drive-in event format persists into 2023 after having been adopted in 2020 to work around COVID-19 public health restrictions. 

It's a format that's more akin to a tailgating experience than a festival, where patrons get their own parking spots with space for folding chairs.

"That makes it a lot easier for seniors and folks with young kids to be able to do the air show experience," Graham said.

Aviation enthusiasts ready for the show

Like on most years, a group of aviation enthusiasts could be seen on the side of Dundas Street past Veterans Memorial Parkway on Thursday evening, viewing the arrival of aircraft to the show.

"When I was very young, my grandma lived across from an airport. I was in my buggy plane and a plane flew over," said Jeff Yates from Woodstock. "Scared the crap out of me. Ever since then I've just always wanted to be around them."

Yates, who is now sharing his passion for aviation with his son, Reese, flies radio-controlled aircraft, works with model aircraft, and considers himself an aficionado of all things aviation. He gave a resounding yes when asked if he thought London Airshow was the best.

"It's the variety and volume of aircraft they got here, the fighters, the bombers," he said. "The other part of it is the camaraderie of some of the guys and the people that come here. Everybody loves the show, the layout, the people. It all makes a difference."

What to expect

There are a number of returning and unique features airshow patrons can expect this year, according to Graham.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are returning after two years of being absent from the show due to COVID-19 and mechanical issues.

"They put on such a fantastic aerial ballet with their eight ship formation," said Graham.

Alongside the Snowbirds, appearances will include an F22 Raptor from the United States Air Combat Command Demo Team, World War II aircraft and large transport planes.

Tanker planes will be seen in the skies to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of aerial refueling.

Patrons will also be able to tour a ground display filled with parked aircraft, and drone and fireworks shows are planned.

Airshow London kicks off on Friday and runs through to Sunday.

A full breakdown of events can be seen at the Airshow London website.