Once again, this Labour Day long weekend, the City of Toronto hosts the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS). Toronto Pearson is privileged once again to be part of the tradition.

Currently in its 59th year, this year’s show will be one to remember. The 2008 show dates are Saturday, August 30, Sunday, August 31 and Monday, September 1. The show starts at 1:00 p.m. each day.

Aircraft appearing in the CIAS are stationed at both Toronto Pearson International Airport and Toronto City Centre Airport. Aircraft located at Toronto Pearson must fly to the show site via a route that takes them over the City of Toronto. These flights occur at altitudes and at speeds in accordance with regulations put forth by aviation governing bodies. Aircraft taking off from, or en route to, Toronto Pearson International Airport are under the control of NAV CANADA flight controllers located at Toronto Pearson.

This year, the CIAS is proud to present the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the CF-18 Hornet. Civilian performers include the Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team (aerobatic displays and a four-ship demo), Matt Chapman, Julie Clark, Mike Wiskus and an appearance by the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The CIAS is also excited to welcome the F-16 Viper East team (seen in this photo), a C-130 from Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, a T-38 Talon four-ship flyby and the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Waterbombers and Eurocopter AS-350.

If you haven’t been to Ontario Place or the Canadian National Exhibition yet this summer, this is the weekend to do it. The air show takes place over Lake Ontario and is best viewed from either location.

For more information and to check out the 2008 show lineup, visit the CIAS website at www.cias.org.