The Canadian Maple Hawk tour continues with a stop in London, Ontario

London, ON, September 12, 2024 – The British High Commission, Ottawa and the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) – the Red Arrows – carry on Maple Hawk 2024 as they arrive in London, Ontario, marking the fifth destination. Celebrating its 60th Diamond Season, the Red Arrows have been dazzling audiences with their renowned precision flying and aerial acrobatics since landing in Canada earlier this summer. 


Invited by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to commemorate its 100th anniversary, the Red Arrows have soared across the nation, underscoring the strong ties between the United Kingdom and Canada. From Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 15, the jets, pilots and crew will make their way to Airshow London SkyDrive to not only showcase their aerobatic expertise but also engage with the community through a series of impactful events aimed at inspiring future engineers and innovators. 


The London leg of the visit will begin with an engagement at Fanshawe College, home of one of Canada’s largest aerospace training institutions. The Red Arrows will meet with students to discuss career opportunities in STEM fields, followed by a special roundtable with Fanshawe faculty to highlight the importance of pursuing careers in aerospace, engineering, and related sciences.


The Red Arrows will also participate in Education Day at Airshow London SkyDrive 2024. This event will feature an exciting opportunity for over 5,000 sixth-grade students from the local school district to interact with the famed air display team. 


“The Maple Hawk tour represents more than our strong defence, trade, and business connections with Canada,” says Susannah Goshko CMG, British High Commissioner to Canada. “It highlights our commitment to inspiring the next generation through STEM education and innovation. By engaging with local students and highlighting the importance of teamwork and technological advancement, we not only showcase the Red Arrows’ precision but also support the development of future leaders in technology and aerospace. This tour emphasises our shared dedication to nurturing talent and excellence across borders.”


The Red Arrows will perform throughout all three days of Airshow London SkyDrive 2024 before concluding their tour with stops in Montreal, Québec, and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

About the British High Commission:

The British High Commission in Ottawa is the UK Government’s main diplomatic mission in Canada. Along with Consulates-General in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, we work closely with the Canadian government and partners across the country to develop and maintain a wide range of substantive partnerships of real value to both countries. These partnerships cover business, defence, climate change, science and innovation, education, and culture. 

About the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign:

The GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign is the UK’s international communications programme. It enhances the UK’s global reputation and drives economic growth by encouraging international audiences to visit, study, trade, invest, live and work in the UK. GREAT is one of the world’s most impactful nation branding and marketing initiatives, providing the UK government’s international network with a high-quality, consistent brand used by 26 government departments and arms-length bodies. It successfully promotes the UK’s strengths in 164 countries.

About the Red Arrows:

Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of pilots and more than 100 support personnel and technicians. Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet, operational experience flying the Tornado, Typhoon or Harrier. As one of the world’s most celebrated aerobatic teams and recognisable British brands, the Red Arrows have performed some 5,000 displays in 57 countries since 1965 – aiming to entertain, inspire and inform. Flying nine British-built Hawk fast-jets, 2024 is the team’s 60th diamond display season.

(London, Ontario) – Airshow London, in collaboration with key educational partners across the city are excited to offer student-focused events on September 12 and 13 aimed at inspiring and educating the next generation through a series of interactive and educational activities, with a focus on aviation and science.

Thursday, September 12: Fanshawe Hangar Event

On September 12, up to 180 aviation students from Fanshawe College, Western University and Montcalm Secondary School will participate in a private meet-and-greet with the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows. The event, hosted at Fanshawe’s Aviation Centre (1000 Air Ontario Drive), is part of the Red Arrows’ “Maple Hawk” tour of Canada to celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Fanshawe’s Aviation Centre (1000 Air Ontario Drive)
• Event Activities:
  • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: ‘Let’s Talk Science’ presentation for TVDSB students.
  • 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Red Arrows student meet and greet with college,
  • university and high school students.

Friday, September 13: Third Annual Education Day

On September 13, Airshow London’s Education Day will offer more than 3,000 grade 6 students from across the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) an opportunity to explore Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft and engage with crew.

• Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: London International Airport, Gate 66 via Huron Street (see
• https://airshowlondon.com)
• Event Activities:
  • Students interacting with various educational activities and exhibits.

Partner Quotes:

“Through our partnerships we are setting the stage for a unique educational experience. These collaborative efforts allow us to create a dynamic environment where post-secondary, high school, and Grade 6 students can gain hands-on exposure to the aviation world, fostering an early interest in STEM fields. We are proud to lead such initiatives that inspire and educate,” stated Holly Doty, Executive Director of Airshow London.

“As a leading provider of aviation training in the Ontario college system, Fanshawe values working with partners like Airshow London to unlock potential by providing exceptional learning opportunities that get students of all ages thinking about pursuing a rewarding career in the aviation sector,” said Larry Weir, associate dean of Fanshawe’s Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology.

“Western’s unique Commercial Aviation Management Program sets students up for success in this exciting and challenging field. We are thrilled to collaborate with Airshow London and our other educational partners in the city to encourage and inspire the next generation of students in the aviation industry.” – Jacqueline Book, Director, Commercial Aviation Management, Western University

“We’re very grateful to be able to work with Airshow London to create a unique learning opportunity for our students,” said Andrew Canham, Associate Director. “We want all Thames Valley students to be exposed to as many different career pathways as possible. Working with Airshow London means students get a hands-on, up-close-and- personal experience that inspires careers in aviation.”

“In our role as educators, our goal is to collaborate with industry experts to explore career pathways and design meaningful learning experiences that empower students to reach their potential,” said Christine Giannacopoulos, TVDSB’s superintendent of student achievement.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Airshow London to provide our students with an experiential learning opportunity that is engaging and fun. One-on-one interaction with pilots and mechanics grants students a deeper understanding of the industry while providing valuable insights into the wide range of roles within the aviation sector”. Vince Romeo, Director of Education, LDCSB.

London, Ontario – July 19, 2024 – Airshow London is thrilled to unveil the “Falcon’s Nest,” a new highlight at this year’s SkyDrive, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon. This special exhibit area will be a part of the ground display and is dedicated to celebrating the long-standing history and significant impact of the F-16, renowned for its agility, speed, and precision since its induction in 1974.

Gerry Vanderhoek, Director of Air Operations for Airshow London, expressed his excitement, saying, “The Falcon’s Nest is not just a display; it’s a dynamic tribute to 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, an aircraft that has shaped the landscape of modern air combat since 1974. This new feature promises to be one of the most engaging highlights at this year’s SkyDrive, proving yet again that Airshow London really is the Best in North America. Since the first F-16 appearance at an airshow in London, there have been over 200 F-16’s visit London. Pretty amazing stat considering we are a Civilian based airshow and not an Air Base.”

The “Falcon’s Nest” will present a variety of F-16 Fighting Falcons from numerous U.S. squadrons, providing attendees with a comprehensive look at the aircraft’s extensive service history.

In conjunction with the exhibit, a new webpage titled “Falcon’s Nest” has also been launched at Airshow London. It features a rich collection of F-16 photographs and a timeline that chronicles key milestones, achievements and facts about the aircraft, enhancing visitors’ understanding of its significant role at Airshow London.

To further celebrate this milestone, Airshow London is now offering an exclusive F-16 T-shirt, which captures all the F-16 bases that have participated in their airshows since 1982. This collector’s item is available through the online Airshow London merchandise store and at the event, while supplies last.

For more information on this year’s SkyDrive, September 13 – 15, visit airshowlondon.com or @airshowlondon on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

London, Ontario – May 8, 2024 – Airshow London has been named the Best Air Show in North America by the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards Contest, a property of USA Today.

Nominees for the 2024 contest were chosen by a panel of industry experts and editors from USA Today and 10Best.com, followed by the public being invited to vote daily for four weeks to determine a winner. Like previous years, Airshow London was the only Canadian air show on this year’s list.

“We are extremely proud to have been voted as the best air show in North America for three (3) years running. Being the only Canadian show nominated was already an awesome compliment but to win, wow, we are so thankful,” expressed Holly Doty, Airshow London Executive Director. “Our team of staff and volunteers dedicate so much of their time and energy to put on an incredible event for our guests, and this show of support from our fans across North America.

In 2020, Airshow London pioneered the drive-in format, allowing “SkyDrive” to be the only air show to run that year. Since its introduction, this format has been a tremendous hit with guests, selling out every year. With approximately 2,500 vehicles parked per day, we welcome between 25,000 – 30,000 guests annually. In 2023, “SkyDrive” welcomed over 6,800 parked vehicles (over 27,000 people) over three days to the London International Airport and hosted an unprecedented eight U.S. military demonstration teams.

This year’s show will be another spectacular showcase of military aviation highlighted by Canadian participation from the RCAF Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the RCAF CF-18 Demonstration Team, and U.S. participation from the USAF F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, the North American P-51 Mustang, and the U.S. Golden Knights. For the first time ever, alongside the Hawker Sea Fury, “SkyDrive” will host the U.K.’s esteemed Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows.

“We are so grateful for the continued support and participation from the Royal Canadian Air Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corp, and other organizations which attract a lot of attention from fans, locally and from afar,” says Gerry Vanderhoek, Airshow London Director of Air Operations. “The continued support over Airshow London’s eight years has been an integral part of growing the show’s reputation as one of the best military displays in Canada and the U.S. This type of recognition really puts London, Ontario on the map as a world class Aviation Event and something Londoner’s should be very proud of.”

For more information on this year’s SkyDrive, September 13 – 15, visit airshowlondon.com or @airshowlondon on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

January 18, 2024

The YXU Community Rink returns for another winter season of plane spotting while skating!

LONDON, ON – The London International Airport (YXU) has officially opened their outdoor rink, just in time for the upcoming school PA day this Friday. Our community has shown excitement for our popular rink to return this winter, and the weather has finally arrived to allow it to freeze. The team at YXU built the rink and boards themselves, including the lighting system for evening skating, as a way to give back to the community. Scott McFadzean, President and CEO, says “We continue to look for creative ways to engage and give back to our community here at the airport. In addition to offering direct flights to multiple sun destinations this winter and the ability to connect to anywhere in the world from London International Airport, we also want to offer other reasons to come out to our airport.  There are not many locations in the city that allow outdoor ice hockey, we’re proud to be able to provide a fun and safe place for staff, tenants and the public to skate and play hockey, while enjoying the bonus of spotting aircraft arriving and departing. ”

It’s a classic “backyard rink” that, for now, relies on cold temperatures to freeze. As we’ve had a few days of a cold streak, the rink has officially opened! We invited none other than London’s favourite OHL team, the London Knights to come out for the first skate! Players Oliver Bonk and Jackson Edward are pictured, dropping the first puck.

“It’s great that London has a space to enjoy hockey at its roots on the outdoor rink and kudos to our partners at YXU for making this happen for the community” said Alex Brown, Marketing Director of the London Knights. “The players all grew up enjoying time with their friends and family on a pond or nearby community rink – having fun is what it’s all about!”

To find the YXU Ice Rink, head east to the end of Oxford St. and turn left down Crumlin Sideroad. Go around the bend on and onto Hurricane Rd. Free parking is available along the fence in front of the Airside Operations Center, east of the rink. Please do not park along the road coming in on Hurricane Rd/Spitfire Rd.

The rink is ‘use at your own risk’ and is not supervised. Children 5 years of age and under must wear CSA approved helmet. The London International Airport strongly recommends that all users wear CSA head protection.

It is open from 07:00 to 21:00 every day and includes outdoor lighting and a hut to get ready in. The availability is dependent on consistent cold temperatures, so stay tuned on our social channels @flyyxu for updates.

The ice rink is one of several recreation options, free to use at London International Airport. There is the YXU Airpark, located on Creamery Rd. (off Dundas St.), that is equipped with free parking and informational signage on aviation history and aircraft to look for. In the summer months, YXU offers beach volleyball and pickleball courts.

To view a map of the location and read more about community recreation at London International Airport, visit flyyxu.ca/recreation

Canadian Forces Snowbirds, CF-18 Demonstration Team, and F-16 Demonstration Team confirm Airshow London 2024 performances

London, Ontario – December 5, 2023 – Airshow London is extremely excited to announce its 2024 show will return as a drive-in event headlined by three demonstration teams, taking place September 13-15 at the London International Airport. Today in Las Vegas, Nevada during the air show industry’s annual convention, military demonstration teams announced their schedules for the 2024 season and Airshow London is pleased to welcome the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, CF-18 Demonstration Team and F-16 Viper Demonstration Team.

The headline demonstration teams will be complemented by additional Canadian and American Forces flying displays as well as an impressive ground display of additional aircrafts parked all weekend offering a rare and exciting aviation experience for attendees. 

“We are proud of our ongoing recognition as a leading air show, hosting the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, CF-18 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team to deliver an unparalleled experience for our guests,” says Gerry Vanderhoek, Director of Air Operations, Airshow London. “We continue to advance our innovative drive-in format and look forward to showcasing SkyDrive once again. We are excited to share more exciting announcements in the coming weeks and months,” adds Vanderhoek.

For the 2024 show, Airshow London will be celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. This is the fifth year for Airshow London’s drive-in format, following four years of sold-out shows. SkyDrive continues to advance guest experience by adding on-site attractions such as food trucks, vendors, STEM activities and interactive displays. 

Tickets for the 2024 show will launch December 6 at 9:30am and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are sold per vehicle for up to six passengers and can be purchased at airshowlondon.com. 

For more information visit airshowlondon.com or @airshowlondon on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.