Year's End Rundown Shows Better Outlook for 2023

Last week's 2022 ICAS Convention American showed clear skies ahead for the airshow community in 2023 and beyond.

A total of 1,377 delegates gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, including 683 event organizers working on 164 different air shows, principally in the United States and Canada.

The show saw the release of the 2023 performance schedule for a number of banner teams, like the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, RCAF CF-18 Hornet demo; the USAF A-10, F-16, F-22 and F-35 demo; the U.S. Marine Corps Harrier, Osprey and F-35 demos, and the updated U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Along with the announcements, 2024 schedules began to take shape in the distance as teams look to the future. 

“Convention attendance was up more than 16% as compared to 2021,” said ICAS President John Cudahy. “And they were an enthusiastic crowd, eager to do business and prepare for the 2023 air show season.”

During the annual Chairman’s Banquet on the last night of the convention, ICAS member and air boss Jim Tucciarone was celebrated as the 2022 recipient of the Council's Sword of Excellence. The group recognized his leadership, service and contributions to the air show community throughout his career - in particular his role in bolstering the Air Boss Recognition Program. His career as an instructor for multiple ICAS education sessions and workshops for more than 30 years have left an indelible mark on the air show industry.

Tucciarone is the 48th recipient of the Sword of Excellence.

FMI: www.airshows.aero