The 2024 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held from July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was an unforgettable experience for aviation enthusiasts from around the world. As the largest fly-in air show in the world, AirVenture once again brought together a stunning variety of aircraft and attracted over 600,000 visitors. More than 10,000 aircraft were on display, ranging from vintage warbirds to cutting-edge experimental planes. This year, numerous performances and programs showcased the best of Canadian aviation.
One of the standout elements of AirVenture 2024 was the presence of the iconic Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF-18 Demonstration Team, and the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, the Skyhawks. Along with the Snowbirds’ headline performances on July 26-28, a special Q&A session with the entire Snowbirds team was held in the venue’s outdoor theater, and paid tribute to a century of service by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). During the weekend, some members of the Snowbirds also took part in the time-honoured tradition of camping under the wing of a CT-114 Tutor during Oshkosh.
Aaron Annable, Consul at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, was proud to introduce the Snowbirds for this session. He highlighted the RCAF’s Centennial, the deep and longstanding partnership between the U.S. and Canadian militaries (including through NORAD), Canada’s 2024 Defence Policy Update, Our North Strong and Free, and the $8.1 billion increase in spending over the next five years to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces and their capabilities. Annable also joined other Canadians at AirVenture to march in their “Parade of Nations,” which featured almost 70 countries.
Another highlight of the celebration took place on July 27, when the Canadian Armed Forces CF-18 Demonstration jet participated in a victory flight that featured historic aircraft with ties to Canada. This rare formation flight included the Avro Lancaster Mk.X bomber, one of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world, flying in tandem with modern fighter jets. Later that evening, the Lancaster joined the two remaining B-29 Superfortresses, FIFI and Doc, during the night air show, which created a truly memorable spectacle for those in attendance. The specially painted CF-18 Hornet featured a unique commemorative paint job marking 100 years of service for the RCAF.
Vintage Wings of Canada brought iconic warbirds like the Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and Mustang. The Canadian-built 1942 Hawker Hurricane Mark XII gave visitors a glimpse into early World War II aviation technology, while the Supermarine Spitfire, famed for its role in the Battle of Britain, provided an example of the engineering advances of that era.
The EAA Canada Pavilion at AirVenture featured Canadian aviation companies and organizations, and hosted daily presentations, including on the history of the Snowbirds. With all these components and more, both Canada and the RCAF’s 100th anniversary had very strong visibility at this massive air show.