Working Towards A Multi-Year Partnership To Conduct Shows In Southern California

The Los Angeles County Air Show, Inc. Board of Directors and senior leadership at the 412th Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base, have agreed to begin working toward solidifying a formal multi-year partnership to conduct air shows in the region.

This partnership paves the way to resume air shows at Edwards Air Force Base.  The last public air show at the base was in 2009.

"We're very excited to put Edwards Air Force Base back on the air show map as "the center of the aerospace testing universe," said Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, 412th Test Wing Commander. "This partnership provides an amazing opportunity to inspire and educate adults and youth throughout the entire region and to showcase to the American people what we provide to the war fighter.  Edwards is committed to supporting the Antelope Valley community with the air show at Fox Field in 2019 and at our base in 2020."

Next year, the event is moving from a traditional March time frame to October 18-20, 2019.  The air show venues will rotate bi-annually between William J. Fox Airfield and Edwards Air Force Base:

• October 18-20, 2019 at William J. Fox Airfield, Lancaster, CA
• October 16-18, 2020 at Edwards Air Force Base, CA
• October 15-17, 2021 at William J. Fox Airfield, Lancaster, CA
• October 14-16, 2022 at Edwards Air Force Base, CA

"As we entered into the 6th annual event planning stages,  the leadership team at Edwards Air Force Base reached out to open a dialogue about working in tandem on future air shows," said Los Angeles County Air Show Board President, Mike VanKirk. “We were thrilled to start the conversation, and it quickly became apparent that a formal partnership would provide unique opportunities on several levels.  The unbridled passion and commitment we all have in bringing awe inspiring “in the air”  performances, static displays and educational STEM experiences to this community, will truly deepen the fan experience.”

This premier air show launched in 2014 at William J.  Fox Airfield with participation by several aerospace companies, numerous community sponsors, Los Angeles County 5th District, and the City of Lancaster.  During the past five years, the air show has featured premier U.S. military flight demonstration teams including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, F-22 Raptor team, and numerous premier aeronautical performers, Heroes and Legends discussion panels, and provided STEM scholarships to local youth.

VanKirk went on to say, “With the William J. Fox Field runway construction upgrades scheduled to be in full swing first quarter of 2019, it made sense for our Board of Directors to re-evaluate the timing of the air show. As our strategy session progressed, the conversations with Edwards Air Force Base evolved and a partnership made perfect sense. It’s a natural fit and we are delighted with the opportunities that will make this world class air show even better for 2019 and beyond.”

More details are scheduled to be released in November.

(Image provided with Edwards Air Force Base news release)

FMI: www.edwards.af.mil, lacountyairshow.com