US Air Force Thunderbirds in formation over José Maria Córdova International Airport outside of Medellín, Colombia

Colombian Air Force in “100” Aerial Formation

The first two days of F-AIR were open only to industry professionals, government and military, with the last two days open to record crowds this year, attracted by the first ever presence of the US Air Force Thunderbirds, the elite demonstration team of US F-16 pilots. While the Thunderbirds put on a stunning show both Saturday and Sunday, they were supported by flyovers of Colombian armed forces helicopters, a US B-52 strategic bomber that flew non-stop from the US and back, and a special Colombian Air Force 100^th anniversary flyover demonstration.

The B52 made several passes over the show’s crowds accompanied by Colombian KFIR jet fighters. The US also was present with a contingent of South Carolina Air National Guard F-16 fighters and pilots. The US Air Force also sent a Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport and a Northrup Grumman KC-10 aerial refueling tanker for the show. Many companies displayed commercial, specialty and general aviation aircraft, and the Colombian military also had many aircraft on display.

“The government of the United States has a strong and proven partnership with the Colombian government and has given decisive support to many initiatives in the Colombian aviation sector,” said Kevin Whittaker, the current US Ambassador to Colombia. “The progress in Colombia’s security and the strong commercial ties with the United States will further strengthen our business relationship and allow us to continue providing the most advanced solutions to the Colombian aviation sector.”

Over 20 US manufacturers were present at this year’s show, running July 11-14, with 8 vendors new to the event. Most exhibited in the US “Partnership Pavilion” sponsored by the US Departments of Commerce, State, Defense, and Transportation. 

Headline photo credit: Liliana Padierna  Body photos credit: Loren Moss

US Air Force B-52 bomber flies in formation with Colombian Air Force KFIR Fighters

During F-AIR Colombia 2019, The United States will present its air show of the Thunderbirds, known as the aerial demonstration squadron of the US Air Force, made up of eight pilots aboard Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The US participation highlights the close ties and collaboration between the Colombian and US militaries.

Over the four days of F-AIR, attendees can enjoy static displays of American aircraft, with the arrival of four F-16 from the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG). In addition, just as at the last F-AIR in 2017, there will be a fly-by of a Boeing B-52 strategic bomber (picture below from the 2017 F-AIR). The B-52 is the US Air Force’s heavy bomber created in 1960 and still in active deployment, an enduring emblem of US military air power.

Additionally, the air show will have eight commercial exhibitors from the USA as well as representatives of companies from other countries, for example: Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, a world leader in the design, manufacture and sale of combat aircraft and commercial aircraft; Gulf Coast Avionics Corporation, the major supplier of avionics and aviation services; and Milex Inc, a company that has been offering innovative products for the personal protection for the world’s defense forces for 125 years.

Colombia has become a nation with strong potential in the aviation industry, has a qualified workforce and proven knowledge in engineering. For example, during the last several years, the CIAC (Corporation of the Colombian Aviation Industry) has excelled in the manufacture of spare parts for aircraft and recently has demonstrated advances in maintenance of US manufactured Sikorsky Black Hawk multi-role military helicopters.

The 11^th F-AIR Colombia Air Show takes place at the José Maria Córdova International Airport just outside Medellín, Colombia from July 11^th to the 14^th, 2019. The 11^th and 12^th are industry-only days and closed to the public. The weekend days off the 13^th and 14^th are open to the public and when most of the exciting aerial displays and demonstrations. Tickets are available for purchase via Tuboleta.

Thunderbirds photo credit: USAF Staff Sargeant Ned T. Johnston. 

US Air Force B-52 photo credit: Loren Moss, Finance Colombia