The Abbotsford International Airshow, one of the Fraser Valley’s most highly anticipated annual events, invites you to experience a breathtaking and unforgettable evening during their Twilight Show. As the sun sets on the Friday, prepare to be mesmerized by a unique combination of hot air balloons, drone light shows, the awe-inspiring GhostWriter Kyle Fowler, and the CF-18 Hornet Demo Team.

Hot Air Balloon Glow

One of the standout attractions of the Twilight Show is the enchanting Hot Air Balloon Glow. As the evening sky deepens, hot air balloons are inflated and tethered to the ground, creating a mesmerizing scene for spectators to explore. These colourful balloons often feature informational cards, sharing details about their age, weight, and origin. The ethereal glow of the illuminated balloons transforms the event into a whimsical, family-friendly experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend

An Unforgettable Drone Display

The excitement doesn’t end there. The Twilight Show also features a cutting-edge drone light show, taking the art of aerial displays to new heights. These shows involve synchronized groups of illuminated drones, choreographed to arrange themselves into stunning aerial formations. These modern marvels rely on computer programs to convert graphic designs into flight commands, which are then communicated to drones.

As part of the Abbotsford International Airshow Twilight Show, the drone light show promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Design teams create detailed storyboards to guide the drones’ movements, while soundtracks are composed to enhance the overall experience. Finally, ground control stations operated by skilled pilots ensure the drones execute their commands flawlessly, bringing the storyboard to life in the night sky.

GhostWriter Takes To The Skies

The crown jewel of the Twilight Show is the GhostWriter, a mesmerizing display of light, pyrotechnics, and aerobatics. This custom aircraft, adorned with 4,000 LED lights and over 250 pounds of pyrotechnics, transforms into a captivating celebration of light and motion under the night sky. The GhostWriter’s performance is tailored to the event’s theme, providing a dynamic visual experience showcasing the true versatility of the aircraft and its talented pilot.

The GhostWriter’s impressive history dates back to its initial design in 1956 as a trainer aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Since then, it has undergone significant modifications to become an airshow aerobatics and skywriting marvel. With a dedicated team investing nearly 3,000 man-hours over two years, the GhostWriter now boasts a cruising speed of 150 mph and a range of over 500 miles. Its climbing prowess reaches 2,500 feet per minute, with an impressive ceiling of 17,500 feet.

GO EZ with Pilot Kyle Fowler

Kyle Fowler expertly juggles his time between piloting a PA-31 Navajo Chieftain, a Kodiak, and his distinctive 1986 Long EZ. As an airshow performer, Kyle takes to the skies with precision and grace, captivating audiences with his skill and love for flying. At this year’s Abbotsford International Airshow, Kyle Fowler will take to the skies, demonstrating the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering passion for aviation. His performance in the Long EZ will leave a lasting impression during the Twilight Show and the rest of the airshow weekend. 

Defy Gravity with The CF-18 Hornet

Watch the skilled demonstration team show off their skills in CF-18 Hornets — gravity-defying maneuvers like the high alpha pass, inverted flight, and high-G turns. Spectators will be captivated by the aircraft’s incredible speed and power, accompanied by the roaring engines echoing throughout the Twilight Show.

The CF-18, a versatile twin-engine, multi-role combat aircraft, has been used in numerous military operations worldwide, including the Gulf War, the Kosovo War, and Operation Impact against ISIL. Measuring 17.07 meters in length with a wingspan of 12.31 meters, it boasts a maximum speed of Mach 1.8.

Don’t Delay To Get Your Tickets

The Twilight Show at the Abbotsford International Airshow promises an unparalleled evening of spectacle and wonder for audiences of all ages. From the ethereal glow of hot air balloons to the groundbreaking visuals of drone light shows and the unforgettable display of the GhostWriter, this must-see event offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So, gather your friends and family, and join the celebration at the Abbotsford Airport this year.