Quinte International Airshow, a biennial event held at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton in Ontario, has been cancelled for 2018. The last show, which was hailed as a success, was held in 2016.
The Quinte International Airshow is hosted by 8 Wing Trenton and they are citing operational commitments as the reason for the cancellation of the 2018 airshow. 8 Wing operates several aircraft types from the CC-130 Hercules to the CC-144 Challenger, which is primarily used for VIP transport. The wing delivers humanitarian aid internationally and supports Canadian and Allied operations around the world.
It has been a busy time for the base this year, with operations assisting with the forest fires in British Columbia as well as assisting with the recent hurricanes in the Gulf and Caribbean. With those operational priorities in focus, the base made the difficult decision to call off the show for next year.
While the show is cancelled for 2018, 8 Wing Trenton is looking to work with community partners to potentially bring the Quinte International Air Show back again in the future.
Here is the full statement from 8 Wing Commander Colonel Mark Goulden on the airshow’s Facebook page:
Cancelling 2018
Operations at 8 Wing Trenton is our priority, whether it be helping Canadians during disasters such as the British Columbia wildfires, delivering humanitarian aid internationally, or supplying Canadian Armed Forces missions around the world. It is with these operational commitments in mind that 8 Wing Trenton has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2018 Quinte International Air Show.
Potential for the future
While it is impossible to predict our operational tempo at 8 Wing for the future, 8 Wing Trenton will be looking to work with community partners to explore the possibility of bringing the Quinte International Air Show back in the future.
Thankful
8 Wing Trenton is thankful for the tremendous support given to the Quinte International Air Show by sponsors and spectators. The support by our surrounding community is unparalled and that support allows us to execute the missions we are asked to do every day.
Mike Murphy
The 2016 show was fantastic and I hope that it will be back soon
Richard Robitaille
It’s so unfortunate. The 2016 event was a blast. It is hard to find quality air show in On. such as the Quinty’s. Looking forward to next one.
Susan
Fingers and toes are crossed for 2019! Love this show and 2016 was fantastic
Mo
2016 was my first show and it was so awesome. I was so looking forward to 2108. Let’s hope it happens in 2019.
terry cunningham
Very disappointed with the cancellation but wouldnt expect less of the DND they are continually cutting costs at the military and all mititary purchases are years and decades behind what they should be.
Johny
The wing has plenty of money and the airshows have huge profits. The last commander, Colonel Keiver, raised a lot of money from the airshow and the pub that was created on base. Another issue with the next few airshows is how the rotation for the Wing Commander position was increased to 3 years instead of just 2.