London, Ontario’s 2020 air show is going ahead. In an announcement on Monday (July 13), Airshow London says it will reformat the show as a sort of drive-in event that will take place on September 12 and 13, dubbing it ‘SkyDrive’.

Traditional flying events will take place, but there will be no static displays as the organization pledges to respect social distancing guidelines. Food vendors will also be absent, so attendees will want to bring bag lunches or snacks to kill off any hunger pangs.

“We know how much the air show is enjoyed by the community, so while the impact of COVID-19 prevents us from producing our traditional-style event, we wanted to create a solution that minimizes risk and interaction while still offering an exciting and family-friendly event,” said Airshow London’s chairperson Jim Graham.

With appropriate spacing of vehicles, the organizers say the airport grounds will be able to accept 2,500 automobiles. Ticketholders, who will need to have their ticket purchased in advance, will be directed to a 6 metre by 7-1/2 metre parking spot on the airfield.

Although Airshow London’s website mentions that aircraft from the RCAF will perform, no specifics are mentioned. However, American acts have been announced. The US Air Force Thunderbirds will perform in what Airshow London says is their only Canadian appearance this year. Other USAF performers include their F-22 Raptor and C-17 Globemaster demo teams. The US Army is also sending the Golden Knights, a skydiving team.

With limited tickets available, those wishing to attend can click here to be brought directly to Airshow London’s ticket-purchasing website.

Those who possess previously issued tickets for the pre-pandemic scheduled show that was to take place can use their tickets for the 2021 event – it won’t be honoured for the 2020 event.