As the longest-running air show in Canada, the Canadian International Air Show celebrates diversity, culture and possibilities like no other.
Years back, a 5-year-old watching the air show found herself memorizing the routine and thinking that one day she wanted to be there. Today Lori Duthie, that former little girl, is the executive director of the very same show.
And such is the impact of the Canadian International Air Show inspiring generation after generation of Canadians. This year’s event, its 77th edition, ran from September 5th to the 7th.
With an 80-year legacy, diversity and inclusion are at the core of the air show. The goal has always been to make the show accessible to as many people as possible. Guests could watch it for free or enjoy an elevated experience in the ticketed zone, where they had the opportunity to meet and greet the pilots and get their autographs, not to mention the added excitement of seeing these jets fly and hearing their engines with the CN Tower in the background.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds took centre stage at the Air Show. A revered symbol of the Royal Canadian Air Force, they represent the expertise, professionalism, and shared bond of the members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
“For generations, those red-and-white jets have represented the pride, courage and spirit of Canada. CIAS fans have watched them soar the past 55 years over Toronto with absolute admiration,” said Duthie. “The Snowbirds are the heart of the Toronto air show.”
after generation. | Photo Courtesy of Canadian International Air Show
Duthie herself has been serving the air show for over 30 years. She feels incredibly lucky to have this opportunity. For her, the sky is an extension of our world, and she loves to get up and fly. Her favourite time to fly in Ontario is in the fall, seeing all the beautiful fall colours from above.
“The Snowbirds Are the Heart of the Toronto Air Show.”
As she reminisced about the lessons she’s learned in this time, she added that pivoting and reacting quickly to last-minute hiccups are always important. She cited teamwork as key to the show’s success as all the members work collectively to stay focused on the big picture.
The Heritage Flight, which features modern military fighter jets and historic vintage warbirds flying together in formation has been another point of success for the fully packed three-hour-and-40-minute air show.
A mention-worthy addition to this year’s edition was the amazing performance by Stephanie Goetz, who flies the pink L-39 jet. The air show is a partner with Breast Cancer Canada; the pink jet represents breast cancer awareness to remind people about the importance of early detection and its benefits.
When asked about the challenges of putting such a massive show together, Duthie added that it’s tough to do that in a busy city like Toronto, especially with Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport nearby. However, having incredible partners that encouraged people to show up at the event surely helped.
“Inspiring,” “honouring” and “exciting” is how Duthie described the air show. The Canadian International Air Show took immense pride in bringing such an exciting event to the city of Toronto. As she explained, “We love sharing stories of how all aviators got inspired as young people so that the next generation can feel the inspiration as well.”
The Canadian International Air Show is indeed a significant celebration of culture, heritage, community and is continuing to build a memorable legacy.
