Release-Media Kits

 

 For Immediate Release

 

Toronto’s air show will be best in years with recent additions:

U.S. Air Force THUNDERBIRDS and a Hawk - Canada’s new jet trainer 

These in addition to wingwalking, flying Elvises and military jets 

TORONTO – August 2001 – The Canadian International Air Show is thrilled to announce a spectacular line-up of aviation acts this year, including three formation teams: the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the civilian-based Red Baron Stearman Squadron. This all in addition to jet fire from three country’s air forces – Canada, the U.S. and Germany, plus a refuelling tanker, cargo planes, aerobatic champions and skyjumping Elvises! 

“The Thunderbirds were scheduled to perform in Mississippi on Labour Day weekend, but due to the cancellation of that air show, they called Toronto and asked us whether we would like them to come up here,” explained Bob MacWilliam, President, Canadian International Air Show. “We were very excited, and despite six weeks notice being very tight when planning an event of this nature, we made it happen.” 

Based out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force’s 6-plane Air Demonstration Squadron flying F-16 Fighting Falcons. This will be their only Canadian performance this year and the first time performing in Toronto since 1988 (13 years ago). 

The second recent addition to the air show’s line-up includes the Canadian Forces new air force jet trainer, the Hawk. The plane was recently showcased at the Paris Air Show and this will be its first public display in Canada. It is considered one of the most advanced trainers ever built and is capable of performing a wide range of combat missions.

Military acts booked to date include:

·        Canadian Forces Snowbirds (with the first-ever female pilot); a Hawk (first public display since being purchased by gov’t), and a CF18 Hornet demo

·        U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds (haven’t performed in Toronto since 1988); F15 Eagle demo, C17 Globemaster, and a KC10 refueling tanker

·        German Air Force C-160 and a Tornado

(*military participation subject to change)

Civilian acts booked to date include:

·        **NEW** The E-Team, Elvises of the Sky (skydivers – “Elvis has left the plane”)

·        **NEW** Beauty and the Beast (husband & wife wingwalking team)

·        **NEW** Red Baron Stearman Squadron (4-plane formation team)

·        Sean Tucker (multi award-winning U.S. National Aerobatic Champion; only Cdn show)

·        Patty Wagstaff (multi award-winning U.S. National Aerobatic Champion; only Cdn show)

·        Steve Coan (multi-award U.S. National Aerobatic Champion in his self-launching sailplane)

 The Canadian International Air Show takes place Labour Day weekend, September 1, 2 and 3 over Lake Ontario off the CNE grounds. All shows begin at 1 p.m. and are free with CNE admission.

 For more info., the public can call the air show office at 416-263-3650 or visit www.cias.org.

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  Media contact: Diana Spremo, Media Relations Manager, Canadian International Air Show

Tel:(905) 693-1860, Fax: (905) 693-1861 or e-mail: spremo.pr@sympatico.ca

NOTE RE: PHOTOS:

High resolution photos can be downloaded from the Snowbirds and Thunderbirds web sites at:

Snowbirds: http://www.snowbirds.dnd.ca
Thunderbirds: http://www.airforce.com/thunderbirds

Photos of other acts are available from the air show office upon request.

  NOTE RE: THUNDERBIRDS MEDIA SESSION & PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:

It is planned that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be available for one hour immediately following their landing in Toronto, scheduled for Thursday, August 30 at approximately 3pm. Media are welcome to come out to Pearson International Airport and interview the pilots and crew by their planes.

PLEASE NOTE: - Interested media MUST pre-register, as the planes will be parked on Pearson’s active grounds requiring all media to be registered and escorted onto the property.

If you want to come out, just contact Diana Spremo as stated above and details will follow.

Last Updated :08/13/04 19:09 -0400 [jc]