For Immediate Release
The Canadian
International Air Show 2002 will Host the RAF Red Arrows
Toronto, March 2002 – Continuing its long history, the 53rd edition of
the world-famous Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) today announced
that it will feature the exciting and demanding aerial display of the
Red Arrows precision air demonstration team. Affectionately known as
“The Reds”, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, have confirmed that they
will perform in Canada during the 2002 show season. These appearances
will be the Red Arrows’ first aerobatic display in Canada in nine years.
The Reds are to perform
at the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto from August 31st to
September 2nd, as well as in the Nova Scotia International Air Show on
September 7th 2002.
“We are very excited to
have the Team return to Canada once again to showcase the Royal Air
Force’s aerobatic skills and aviation technology”, said Captain Mike
Booth, the British High Commission Naval and Air Adviser. “We are
particularly proud to have this opportunity for the team to visit Canada
just one month before Queen Elizabeth arrives here as part of her Golden
Jubilee celebrations.”
“We feel the
extraordinary commitment that the participation of the Red Arrows in the
CIAS 2002 edition represents is further confirmation that the Canadian
International Air Show is one of the premier shows of its kind
worldwide,” said Bob MacWilliam, President of the CIAS.
“The Reds” Have Only
Two Canadian Stops
Mr. MacWilliam
continued, “We very much appreciate the Royal Air Force making the Red
Arrows available during a busy Air Show season and feel privileged that
they chose Toronto, where we anticipate that they will perform for one
million Canadians over the three days of our show. This will be a unique
opportunity for Canadians in Toronto and Halifax to witness two
nine-plane teams in the same show.
The Canadian Air Force
Snowbirds fly Tutor jets and The Royal Air Force Red Arrows use Hawk
jets, which are currently being considered as a possible Snowbirds
replacement aircraft. Since both teams consist of nine aircraft and
perform similar manoeuvres, we will be able to see what a Hawk equipped
Snowbirds team would look like.”
The Canadian Air Force
currently uses the Hawk as a jet trainer at the NATO Flying Training in
Canada (NFTC) program in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where it has replaced
the Tutor as the advanced jet trainer for this program.
High Speed, But
Viewer Friendly
Like Canada’s world
famous Snowbirds, the Red Arrows’ individual performance segments are
often complicated, but because of the performance envelope of the Hawk
aircraft used, all stay within easy viewing by spectators. This makes
their exciting demonstrations a highlight for amateur and professional
photo and videographers. The Red Arrows’ mandate is very similar to that
of the Snowbirds, to demonstrate the skill, professionalism and teamwork
of their nation’s Armed Forces.
Two spare aircraft are
also normally brought on long distance deployments. In addition, a C130
Hercules transport aircraft provides support. The Red Arrows will only
display for one day at Shearwater in order to return to the UK for other
air show commitments.
The Red Arrows first
formed in 1965. The team’s web link www.raf.mod.uk/reds gives exhaustive
details on the Red Arrows.
CIAS – A History of
Innovation
Over its 53-year history, the Canadian International Air Show has been a
singular event for the introduction to Canadian aviation enthusiasts of
many new technologies and unique participants. For example, it is the
first non-trade air show in the world at which the Concorde, as well as
both high-level reconnaissance U.S. Air Force U-2 and SR-71 aircraft
performed.
Each year since 1949,
the show has been a feature of the Canadian National Exhibition (the
world's largest annual Exhibition) in Toronto, as the successor to many
earlier air shows held at the CNE dating back to shortly after World War
I. The Air Show stage extends over Lake Ontario, south of the CNE
grounds. Not staging the show at an airport permits public viewing of
numerous acts within a comfortable 3-hour period.
* * * * * * *
The Canadian
International Air Show is organised and conducted by Canadian Exhibition
Air Shows Inc., a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion
and display of aviation. With the exception of a full-time Air Show Co-ordinator
and an Assistant Co-ordinator, the entire air show is staged, run and
managed by nearly 400 volunteers.
The CIAS is also a
charter member of the International Council of Air Shows. ICAS is the
only organisation that provides coordination, support and continuity for
air show sponsors and performers.
Each year, the Canadian
International Air Show strives to put on an entertaining and informative
aerial display to maintain its position as the premier air show of its
kind in the world. From vintage aircraft to high performance jets, the
Canadian International Air Show has paid tribute to the fascinating
world of flight -- and millions of people have shared in the wonder.
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
AIR SHOW
CNE Waterfront, Toronto
August 31, September 1st, 2nd, 2002 (all shows begin at 1 p.m.)
www.cias.org
For further information, please contact: Lisa Natale, CIAS Co-ordinator
at (416) 263-3650
