Toronto Pearson International Airport is privileged once again to be part of the Labour Day tradition known as the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS).

Currently in its 58th year, this year’s show will be one to remember; celebrating the beauty of flight with the sounds of pure power from fighter jets to the tranquility of the glider. The three hour show will include both military and civilian acts.

Headlining this year’s show are the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Canada’s premier jet demonstration team, and the Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Returning for the second year is the F-22A Raptor, one of the US Air Force’s newest and most top secret fighter aircraft.

Members of the media had the benefit of an up-close and personal viewing of the aircraft and a chance to speak with crew members as they arrived at Toronto Pearson on August 30. In attendance were the CF Snowbird Team, CF-18 Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, USAF F-22A Raptor, USAF-F16 and the C17 Globemaster.

“This is my first time visiting Toronto and it was amazing to fly over Niagara Falls on our flight into Toronto Pearson,” said Kenneth Assand, Load Master for the C17 Globemaster. It was also Joel Herman’s (Aviation Technician for the F-22A Raptor) first time in Canada and his first air show appearance ever. As the youngest member of the crew, his excitement for the event could barely be contained.

The US Air Force’s Raptor is one of the major highlights of this year’s show. Its stealth design, supercruise capability, manoeuvrability, and integrated avionics represent an exponential leap in fighting capabilities. This aircraft is 62 feet in length, 16 feet in height and has a wingspan of 44 feet.

Another draw to the CIAS is the CF-18 Hornet. With speeds of up to Mach 1.8, the CF-18 Hornet is active in a variety of roles including missions in support of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). In addition, this aircraft acts as the leading combat fighter jet of Canada’s Air Force, maintaining control over domestic and international airspace. You’ll be sure to see a thrilling tactical performance in the CF-18 by Captain Yanick "Crank" Gregoire, this year’s demonstration pilot who was born and raised in Toronto.

The CIAS takes place in the skies over the shoreline of Lake Ontario throughout the Labour Day long weekend, Saturday, September 1-Monday, September 3. Shows are scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Performances can be best viewed from Ontario Place or the CNE grounds.

For more information and to check out the 2007 show line-up, visit the CIAS website: www.cias.org