People are going to get another chance to see an air show in the nation’s capital just as summer comes to a close.
On Sept. 4, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Air Force (British) will be flying past downtown over the Ottawa River for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The British High Commission in Ottawa is officially opening its new office and to celebrate it scheduled the British Red Arrows and the Snowbirds for a flyby.
The building is located at 140 Sussex Dr. and is being celebrated for being the “greenest” U.K. diplomatic building, incorporating “cutting-edge” sustainable technology and features.
The jets are set to fly past Parliament Hill at around 6:15 p.m.
After, the Red Arrows will continue on the Maple Hawk 2024 tour supporting the RCAF’s centenary year.
The Sept. 4 flypasts will take place over the new British High Commission building on Sussex Drive to mark its opening.
“This event marks a significant milestone in the modern Canada-UK relationship and spotlights the strong bond between both nations,” said a news release by the British High Commission in Ottawa.
The aerobatics flight teams are expected to fly over Ottawa and Gatineau, between 6:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 4.
In a social media post, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds said the formation will generally follow a west-east route along the Ottawa River. It said the teams will fly “at an altitude no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their route.”
“Flybys by RCAF aircraft are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety and are dependent upon weather and flying conditions,” the post said.
The British High Commission relocated its Ottawa staff to their new office at 140 Sussex Dr. in January. The building at 80 Elgin St., sold to the National Capital Commission in 2021, served as the commission’s official offices for over 60 years.
The British High Commission's New Building
The new British High Commission is a state-of-the-art facility that incorporates sustainable technology and features. It's considered the “greenest” U.K. diplomatic building worldwide.
The Maple Hawk 2024 Tour
The Red Arrows' Maple Hawk 2024 Tour is a celebration of the RCAF's centenary year. It includes a series of air shows and flypasts across Canada.
Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Air Show
The Aero Gatineau-Ottawa air show will take place from Sept. 7 to 8 at the Gatineau-Ottawa Airport. The show will feature a variety of aerial performances, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
The event will also feature a variety of ground displays, including vintage aircraft, helicopters, and gyrocopters.
Flyby Schedule
The flyby schedule for the Snowbirds and the Red Arrows is as follows:
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Sept. 4: Flypast over the new British High Commission on Sussex Drive at around 6:15 p.m.
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Sept. 7-8: Performances at the Aero Gatineau-Ottawa air show.
The flypast is a great opportunity for people in Ottawa and Gatineau to see the Snowbirds and the Red Arrows in action. The event is also a celebration of the strong bond between Canada and the United Kingdom.
The Importance of the Flypast
The flypast is a significant event that marks a milestone in the modern Canada-UK relationship. It signifies the strong bond between both nations and celebrates the opening of the new British High Commission. It's also an opportunity for the public to witness the skill and precision of the Snowbirds and the Red Arrows.
The flypast and airshow are sure to be a spectacle that will not only entertain but also highlight the importance of the Canada-UK relationship.
Public Safety
The Canadian Forces have stressed that the flypasts are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety. They are dependent upon weather and flying conditions.
The Future of the Canada-UK Relationship
The new British High Commission building, along with the flypast and airshow, are all symbolic of the strong and enduring relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom. Both countries are committed to working together to address global challenges and promote peace and prosperity.
The flypast and airshow are a testament to this shared commitment.
A Final Thought
As we approach the fall season, it's a beautiful reminder of the strong bonds that connect us across borders and the awe-inspiring beauty of flight.
