Organizers of the 2024 Quinte International Air Show are hailing this weekend’s event a huge success.
Estimates have spectators through the doors at the base at around 50,000.
Saturday was a tough day to start, as a record-setting rainfall hit the tarmac.
MORE BELOW
The Quinte International Air Show had about 26 millimetres of rain on Saturday June 29, 2024 (Photo by: Corporal Luke Barrie, 8 Wing Imaging)
Organizers set up displays inside and those who attended did not let it dampen their spirits.
MORE BELOW
A flight simulator set up at the air show (Photo: Sailor First Class Erin Roberts 8 Wing Imaging)
On Sunday, the sunshine came out, with a perfect mix of breeze and cooler temperatures making for a perfect walk-around.
MORE BELOW
Thousands hit the tarmac at CFB Trenton for day two of the airshow (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Ten-year-old Tristan came in from Kingston and says he has seen a lot of planes in his time, but was very impressed with the air show.
“Really cool.”“Question: What did you think of the one that just went up, the fighter jet?”“Really loud and it was actually really cool.”
Youngster Damian came from Montreal and jumped into a simulator and also toured some of the static displays.
We talked to him in line to tour the Airbus CC-330.
“I like the part where they (fighter jets) go backwards and I like it when they go through the clouds.”
Eleven-year-old Ryan came with his family from Kingston and was a big fan of the fighter jets.
Quinte News asked him if he would consider a career in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
“I would but my parents said no.”
MORE BELOW
Mila and Avery Armstrong sitting in the pilots’ seats of the CC 330 (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
8 Wing Commander Colonel Leighton James says there were many dignitaries on hand.
“We have some special guests here today. We have the Chief of our air force. Lieutenant-General Kenny is with us today, as well as Major-General Huddleston. We have a really special guest in Lieutenant-General Goretti from the Italian Air Force, to watch the Frecce Tricolori (Italian Aerobatics Team) do their thing today.”(Chief of RCAF Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny)(1 Division Air Division Commander Major General Iain Huddleston)(Italian Air Force Chief of Staff Luca Goretti)
Captain Taylor Heister was the pilot with the F-16 Viper from the US Air Force and tells Quinte News it was an honour to be part of the centennial celebrations for Canada’s air force.
“We’re here to celebrate partnerships between the people of Canada and the United States. As you guys celebrate your heritage and the hundred-year anniversary of your air force, we’re just grateful to be a small part of that here.”
The photo gallery is available by CLICKING HERE
