CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) — Westover Air Reserve Base has officially begun planning for the highly anticipated 2027 Great New England Airshow, with the event tentatively scheduled for May.
The 439th Airlift Wing, along with members of the Galaxy Community Council, will attend the 2024 International Council of Airshows (ICAS) in Las Vegas this November to secure major aerial acts for the show.
Initially aiming for a May 2026 event, logistical challenges forced Westover to push the airshow to 2027. “We weren’t able to meet the two-year lead time needed to submit requests for a headliner aerial act for 2026,” said Rodney B. Furr, chief of public affairs for the 439th Airlift Wing. “By attending ICAS, our team will be in a better position to secure a major act for May 2027, which allows us to meet the reservation deadline in May 2025.”
Opting for a May airshow offers several advantages, including access to more aerial acts and display options, as it falls earlier in the typical airshow season. Additionally, scheduling the show earlier in the fiscal year means that military units may have more available travel funding to participate. While September typically offers more favorable weather conditions, the timing conflicts with the annual Eastern States Exposition and presents challenges in securing local hotel accommodations due to overlapping events.
The last Great New England Airshow took place in August 2018. A planned 2020 show was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent mission and operational priorities delayed further events.
As planning continues and key acts are secured, updates will be shared on Westover’s social media platforms and website. The airshow is expected to attract significant attention, showcasing aerial displays, military equipment, and performances by top aviation acts.
For more information about Westover Air Reserve Base and updates on the 2027 airshow, visit Westover ARB’s website or follow their social media pages.
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