What Air shows are Must-Attend For Aviation Enthusiasts In 2019?
Whether you’re looking for entertainment or you attend airshows for business matters, choosing the right event to attend is key. With a lot of airshows happening each year, sometimes there are just too many options to choose from.
So, we picked out the most important events for every aviation enthusiast! These airshows are the best options that you do not want to miss out on.
10. MAKS Air Show
When is MAKS Air Show? August 27th – September 1st, 2019.
Where is MAKS Air Show held? Zhukovsky, Moscow Region.
The international air show is arguably the most important event of the Russian aviation industry. Aviasalon holds the event every two years.
The company started holding the event in 1992, but ever since 1993 the event occurs biannually. Why is it so important to the Russian Aviation industry? Because russian manufacturers, such as Sukhoi, Tupolev get to showcase their newest products. Meanwhile, russian airlines get the chance to sign commercial contracts and order new aircraft to meet their demand.
The event will continue for 6 days. The event will be split into two: for 3 days straight the event will be open to the public eye, while Aviasalon dedicates the 3 other days to commercial partners to network and conclude various deals.
Why is it worth coming here as an individual? Well, you get to see the newest Russian aviation products and see various Soviet and Russian fighters in person.
9. Abbotsford International Airshow
When is Abbotsford International Airshow? August 9th – August 11th, 2019
Where is Abbotsford International Airshow? Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
People claim it as the biggest airshow in Canada. The Abbotsford Flying club opened the event in 1962 and ever since it has been held annually. Ever since its first inception, it has been on a steady rise, becoming one of the main attractions for Canadians in the summer. Featuring various military and civilian aircraft, the airshow presents the chance for visitors to see both static and active displays. The Canadian Snowbirds and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will be headlining this year’s event.
The amount of demonstrational squadrons at this years show alone makes it worth attending the event. A lot of historical aircraft will be parked on the runway as well. So, if you‘re a bit of an aviation history geek – you must attend Abbotsford International Airshow!
8. Sunderland Airshow
When is Sunderland Airshow? July 26th – July 28th, 2019.
Where is Sunderland Airshow held? Sunderland, United Kingdom.
The annual airshow is a free event that happens every year. The massive amount of visitors every year makes it one of the biggest aviation events of the year. Every single day of the Airshow is filled with various artists, demonstration teams and displays. For the first time this year, the Swiss Air Force PC-7 Team will join the Sunderland Airshow.
Already an impressive lineup, featuring the Red Arrows, Black Cats and now the PC-7, the fun never stops at Sunderland Airshow. We cannot recommend the event enough. Namely, because it is free!
7. Dubai Airshow
When is Dubai Airshow? 17th – 21st of November, 2019.
Where is Dubai Airshow held? Dubai World Central.
F&E Aerospace started organizing the event in 1986, under the name Arab Air. Going from very humble numbers it has grown to one of the most important aviation events in the world. As the presence of the Middle East carriers increased throughout the skies of the world, aircraft manufacturers saw this event as the best chance to sell their aircraft in the region. That is why the airshow hosted the debut of the now-canceled Airbus A380 in 2005. Throughout the years Airbus, Boeing and other various manufacturers have displayed their aircraft with the sole goal of selling them. In 2017, this has resulted in Airbus and Boeing securing orders for a combined sum of $47.7 billion.
However, even if you’re attending as an aviation enthusiast, there will be plenty of activity for you as well. With companies presenting the newest trends and technologies, you will definitely not be disappointed. Likewise, this might be a great chance to network with some of the greats in the aviation industry!
6. Aero India
When is Aero India? 20th – 29th of February, 2019.
Where is Aero India held? Bengaluru, India.
This is the last call to attend the event, as it is in a week’s time! Participate in one of the biggest aviation events in the world that covers a market that is equally becoming one of the biggest markets in the world. Similarly to the event in Zhukovsky, Aero India offers commercial exhibitions and various aerobatic performances to visitors.
Again, this is a great chance for people to connect with various aviation professionals around the world! Likewise, various demonstration squadrons will execute some brilliantly entertaining performances.
Oh, just to mention, this is the biggest airshow in Asia.
5. Miramar Air Show
When is Miramar Air Show? 27th – 29th of September, 2019.
Where is Miramar Air Show held? Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, United States.
The largest military air show in the United States is held annually ever since the United States Navy inaugurated it in 1953. However, since 1998, the United States Marines are responsible for the event in California.
The United States Marines have dedicated this show to purely showcase their equipment, mostly aircraft. But the event also includes tanks, transport and support vehicles. Additionally, various artillery and infantry weapons are present.
Aerial performances complement the static displays. Most notably, the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds are the main highlights of the aerobatic shows.
This is the best chance for you to see the newest and best fighter jets, weapons and various vehicles that the United States Army uses in its combat missions. If you’re a big fan of military aviation and THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, this the perfect event for you.
4. Royal International Air Tattoo
When is Royal International Air Tattoo? 19th – 21st of July, 2019.
Where is Royal International Air Tattoo held? Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.
Currently, if not the largest, then certainly one of the biggest military aviation events in the world. The first Air Tattoo attracted only 100 aircraft in 1971. To illustrate, how much the event has grown, in 2003 the Air Tattoo had 535 aircraft attending. Another important fact is that the Queen herself acknowledged the event, which is why it carries the word Royal in its name. The Royal International Air Tattoo became an annual airshow in 1993.
As for a reason why you should attend the event? I think Jenson Button, an F-1 World Champion can tell you why much better than I can:
“All the thrills, excitement and noise of a Grand Prix – but in the air!”
And even better is that everyone that is under the age of 18, can enter the event for free. That fact makes it a perfect family getaway weekend!
3. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
When is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh? 22nd – 28th of July, 2019.
Where is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh held? EAA Fly-In Convention Grounds, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association (hence the EAA in its name), EAA organizes the event and holds it annually in Wisconsin. EAA inaugurated AirVenture in 1953. Notably, the event started out as a small gathering of around 150 people. Currently, the airshow attracts more than 600 thousand people!
The event has a huge impact on the local economy and to every aircraft builder out there. There is a reason why the organization that holds the event is called the Experimental Aircraft Association. It promotes small manufacturers that present their radical aircraft designs.
Multiple static exhibitions and demonstration squadrons attend the event, making it a very interesting cocktail for every breed of aviation enthusiasts. Military, engineering and regular aviation geeks will have one of the best experiences in their lifetime during The Oshkosh Airshow!
2. AIR Convention
When is AIR Convention? 1st-3rd of May, 2019 or 17th-19th of September, 2019.
Where is AIR Convention held? Bangkok, Thailand in May and Vilnius, Lithuania in September.
This is the perfect event for every aviation professional striving to be better. With the biggest airlines attending the event, there is no better chance to discuss the newest aviation trends in the world. Can’t make it to one event? Do not worry, as AIR Convention has 2 events across the year!
Covering a wide range of topics in the industry, you can also become an exhibitor or a speaker. Networking is also an important part of AIR Convention that attracts over 1000 global industry leaders.
Hungry for more or want to purchase tickets? Check out AIR Convention right here!
1. Paris Air Show
When is Paris Air Show? 17th – 23rd of June, 2019.
Where is Paris Air Show held? Paris–Le Bourget Airport, France.
Regarded as the most influential aviation event in the world, the Paris Air Show happens every two years. Organized by SIAE, the event started out in 1909 as a separate event from the Paris Motor Show. Recently, the show celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013.
The Paris Air Show is famous not only for the aircraft that it attracts but also for some crashes. Infamously, the Soviet SST Tupolev Tu-144 crashed in 1973.
But on the other hand, over the years it has attracted some impressive displays. Such aircraft as the Boeing 747, the previously mentioned Tu-144 as well as the Concorde attracted visitors from all over the world.
No matter what, the Paris Air Show is a must visit for every aviation enthusiast. The exceptional exhibitions, performances and aircraft that are on the display at the event make up an amazing experience.
To sum up, if you call yourself an aviation enthusiast and do not have these events on your bucket list, then you are doing the whole aviation enthusiast thing wrong. Trust me.