Canada’s legendary Royal Canadian Airforce Snowbirds are set to dazzle crowds at the 2015 Comox Air Show this weekend and in Victoria this afternoon.

The Snowbirds aerial show is one of a list of displays as well as performances that will have all eyes to the sky on Saturday. The event coincides with the 2015 Armed Forces Day. It’s a chance for visitors to get up close and to see the equipment and to speak firsthand with the men and women who protect Canadians and Canadian values.

Air shows draw people from throughout 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.

The Comox Airshow is part of list of summer aerospace events that have and are taking place across the province:

• July 31-Aug. 2: SkyFest, Quesnel
• 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. 14-15: Vancouver Island Aerospace Alliance AGM & Aerospace Innovation Forum, Comox Valley
• Aug. 15: Comox Air Show
• Aug. 15-16: Chilliwack Air Show

Coinciding with the Comox Air Show, The Vancouver Island Aerospace Alliance AGM and Aerospace Innovation Forum is on at the North Island College in Comox on Friday and Saturday. The aerospace industry is gathering to discuss the latest in defence procurement and accessing the aerospace supply chain among other topics. Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley along with Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services will speak at the event.

August is an opportunity to celebrate B.C.’s growing aerospace industry. It generates annual industry revenues of approximately $2.4 billion, value-added output (GDP) of $1.3 billion and employs over 8,000 people. Globally, 38,050 new aircraft valued at $5.6 trillion are expected to be needed over the next 20 years. In last year’s budget, our government committed $5-million over five years to develop and grow B.C.’s aerospace industry in partnership with the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) The AIAC – Pacific Division (AIAC Pacific).

Aerospace is a priority within the BC Jobs Plan. To keep our economy diverse, strong and growing, since September 2011 the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of eight of our province’s key sectors using our educated and skilled workforce.

https://www.facebook.com/BCJobsPlan/posts/10153323893788241

Quotes:

Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley –

“Each year, thousands visit the Comox Valley to take in our air show. Not only is it one of the highlights on our region’s calendar it’s also a boon to the local economy. The air show’s continued success is a testament to the Comox Valley’s strength as an aerospace hub and the people who make this happen.”

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services —

“Comox Valley has the unique combination that makes it an ideal place for a thriving aerospace industry: a beautiful ocean view, access to local talent and impressive existing infrastructure to allow for and support growth in this awe inspiring sector. To be cliche, ‘the sky is the limit!’”

Mark Sylvester, President, Vancouver Island Aerospace Association –

“The forum provides the opportunity for the immense depth of talent we have on Vancouver Island in the aerospace and associated industries to come together to explore and discuss the continued expansion of the sector. We are very pleased to have the support of the Province of B.C. in developing this event.

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:

Comox Air Show: https://www.comoxairshow.ca/

Vancouver Island Aerospace Alliance AGM and Aerospace Innovation Forum: http://viaa.ca/vancouver-island-aerospace-alliance-agm-aerospace-innovation-forum/

Canadian Forces Snowbirds info: http://airshowstuff.com/v4/2014/2015-canadian-forces-snowbirds-schedule/

AIAC Pacific aerospace industry study: http://www.aiacpacific.ca/news-and-events/aiac-pacific-updates

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/