Airshow London, scheduled for September 12 and 13, announced this week that it has secured the participation of three more U.S. military demonstration teams. Already announced was the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team. Newly announced are the US Air Force F-35 Lightning Demo Team, their A-10 Thunderbolt Demo Team and their F-16 Viper Demo Team. This will be the first time all four USAF teams have performed at a single Canadian event.

“Being that we are the only air show in Canada this year, the U.S. Air Force is very excited to help us celebrate the essential and front-line workers,” Jim Graham, Airshow London Chair, told CTV News.

According to Airshow London’s website, 11 of the 12 participants will be from the US Air Force. Although the website indicates there will be participation from the Royal Canadian Air Force, nothing specific is mentioned. It is already known that the Snowbirds will not be performing as they have only recently been cleared to fly again, and substantial practice will be required before the team can expect to achieve currency.

Airshow London has been dubbed ‘SkyDrive’ for 2020 given that social distancing protocols have forced the organizers to create an innovative solution by making it a drive-in air show. Spectators will arrive in their automobiles and remain in or close to them while observing the show. They will be positioned on preassigned parking spots on the airport’s infield.

It is not clear yet whether any or all of the U.S. team members will touch down or stop overnight in London or arrive from and return to U.S. territory without touching down in Canada.

“They are going to be flying. If they are hosted in London, public safety will be treated as a mission”, said Graham. “In all likelihood, they could be hosted elsewhere.”

There are still tickets available. Check out their website.

Photo credit: US Air Force Senior Airman James Kennedy