WATCH ABOVE: Thousands of people took in for both performances of the Lethbridge International Airshow this year. Global’s Erik Mikkelsen wraps up this year’s event.
LETHBRIDGE – High flying stunts, explosions and some pretty impressive military aircraft were just some of the things witnessed by thousands of spectators at this year’s Lethbridge International Air Show.
The Air Show took a year break in 2014 but was back again this year to electrify the audiences.
READ MORE: ‘I feel like I just went to the moon’: B-17 bomber lands in Lethbridge
One of the main attractions was the Canadian Forces C-17 Globe Master, a substantial military aircraft seen from near and far on the tarmac.
“This has the lift capability of four Hercules aircraft,” said 429 Bomber Squadron Honorary Colonel, Kemp Stewart. “So, it’s referred to as a strategic lift so we can get large quantities of aircraft virtually anywhere globally.”
Since the Afghanistan War, the aircraft has mainly been used to aid in humanitarian efforts. More recently, it helped ictims and villages in Nepal after the devastating April earthquakes.
“An aircraft of this size can carry up to about 170 thousand pounds of supplies – food, water, whatever was required we could deliver that,” said Stewart.
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Another special feature of the aircraft is its ties with Lethbridge.
Members of the 429 Bomber Squadron were essentially adopted by members of the Lethbridge community during World War II. Lethbridge residents would send letters of encouragement and care packages overseas. A permanent decal and the city’s flag are featured on the Globe Master as a permanent “thank you” for that support.
READ MORE: 429 Bomber Squadron
“In essence they have made a commitment to support members of the 429 squadron,” said Stewart. “That kind of lapsed from my understanding in the early fifties but we’ve rekindled this in the last five – six years.”
In addition to the C17 Globe Master, eyes were to the sky to enjoy stunt performances by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Although, they were missing a few planes due to hail damage suffered in Rocky Mountain House.
Also performing at the show – the CF-18 Demonstration team, the B-17-G Flying Fortress and many more.
There was also a lot to see on the ground, including more Canadian and American Forces aircraft and private aircraft for viewing and for sale.
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