Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Canada’s legendary Royal Canadian Airforce Snowbirds are among a list of top international aerobatic performers and other aerospace related activities set to thrill crowds at SkyFest, Quesnel’s international airshow.
Air shows draw people from around B.C. and from out of province and boost tourism dollars in the local economies that host them. August is a great time to work an air show in your B.C. staycation plans. By visiting local events and venues, you’re not only supporting vital businesses in your town or city, you’re also helping to create jobs.
SkyFest is one of a number of air shows and announcements taking place in British Columbia in August:
- Aug. 5: Penticton, Canadian Forces Snowbirds Air Show at Penticton Peach Festival
- Aug. 6 – 7: Aerospace Defence and Security Expo (ADSE), Abbotsford
- Aug. 7 – 9: Abbotsford International Airshow
- Aug. 12: Victoria, Canadian Forces Snowbirds Air Show, 5:45pm over Clover Point
- Aug. 14: Courtenay, Vancouver Island Aerospace Alliance AGM & Aerospace Innovation Forum
- Aug. 15: Comox Air Show
- Aug. 15 –16: Chilliwack Air Show
SkyFest is on through Sunday at the Quesnel Regional Airport. Aside from aerial performances, it features a close up look at various aircraft and even vintage cars in its display area among other types of entertainment.
B.C.’s growing aerospace industry generates annual industry revenues of approximately $2.4 billion, value-added output (GDP) of $1.3 billion and employs over 8,000 people. Globally, 38,000 new aircraft valued at $5.6 trillion are expected to be needed over the next 20 years. In last year’s budget, the government committed $5-million over five years to develop and grow B.C.’s aerospace industry.
Aerospace is supporting the BC Jobs Plan by helping to keep the economy diverse, strong and growing. Since September 2011, the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of eight of the province’s key sectors using an educated and skilled workforce.
Quotes:
Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North –
“SkyFest continues to be a welcome addition to the activities and events you’ll find in Cariboo North with thousands of aeronautic fans coming to Quesnel to see the amazing shows,” says Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North. “I’m pleased that the Lieutenant Governor will be joining us for the festivities this year and welcome everyone to Quesnel for the excitement of SkyFest.”
Sharon MacDonald, Skyfest 2015, media contact –
“We are excited to show our fans what we have in store for Quesnel’s international airshow – SkyFest 2015. This includes our first ever twilight show featuring an incredible pyro show and fireworks to end that nights’ display. We are also thrilled to have three Royal Canadian Air Force teams, the Snowbirds, The CF-18 fighter jet and the Skyhawks – The Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, as well as a complete lineup of civilian aerobatic pilots. August is definitely a busy month for aerospace in B.C. We are proud to be a part of it!“
Quick Facts:
- B.C. is home to world leading space companies and offers world class capability in niche aerospace areas such as rotary aircraft, special mission aircraft, support services and flight training.
- B.C.’s gateway location between the countries and cultures of North America and Asia Pacific make British Columbia a natural location for growth within the aerospace industry.
- There will be many opportunities in skilled trades and technical occupations, like those found in the aerospace sector.
Learn More:
Quesnel SkyFest: http://www.quesnelskyfest.ca/
Penticton Peach Festival: http://www.peachfest.com/
Aerospace Defence and Security Expo: http://www.adse.ca/
Abbotsford International Airshow: http://www.abbotsfordairshow.com/
Canadian Forces Snowbirds info: http://airshowstuff.com/v4/2014/2015-canadian-forces-snowbirds-schedule/
Vancouver Island Aerospace Alliance AGM and Aerospace Innovation Forum: http://viaa.ca/vancouver-island-aerospace-alliance-agm-aerospace-innovation-forum/
Comox Air Show: https://www.comoxairshow.ca/
BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/
