London‘s air show planned for Sept. 17-18, the first major show in the city in 12 years, is intended both to attract aviation businesses and airplane fans.

Organizers of Air Show London want the show to bring to town more top-flight aerospace and defence-industry investment, said Jim Graham, chairperson of Air Show London.

The show will feature about 50 high-tech planes on the ground and two 3 1/2-hour flight shows that will include the acclaimed Canadian Snowbirds and CF-18 demonstration teams.

Many of the acts and attractions have yet to confirm their participation.

Students at the school of aviation technology at Fanshawe College will be among the show’s organizers and half the proceeds from the show will support student bursaries there.

The other half of the proceeds are to be split between the Children’s Health Foundation and organizations celebrating veterans and warriors.

Graham expects revenue “in excess of $1 million.”

Sky-high insurance rates in the post 9/11 years and poor weather grounded the London air show (its organizers unconnected to this year’s show) after several years as a premier event in the city. The Jet Aircraft Museum in London staged a mini-show in 2014.

“I think there’s been a huge pent-up demand for this,” Graham said.

“We didn’t want to make this a one-off show,” and instead wanted to start a legacy, he said.

No city of London or Fanshawe College cash is going into the show that will operate through in-kind donations, sponsorships from several area companies and the labour of hundreds of volunteers.

Visitors will be able to see state-of-the-art aircraft up close, talk with pilots and “be inspired,” Graham said.

“The planes (on display) are something we hope will make us unique in North America,” in addition to a flying demonstration that will “be the best in central Canada.”

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IF YOU GO

What: Air Show London

When:Sept. 17-18

Where:London International Airport

More Info:airshowlondon.com