(Featured photo: The F-22 Raptor Demo will be part of the Augusta Air Show May 25-26, 2024. Photo courtesy Air Dot Show website)
The Air Dot Show Tour or simply known as The Tour, the nation’s leader in aviation entertainment, is set to embark on a journey to six iconic travel destinations from Florida to New York in 2024 with a stop in Augusta May 25-26 at Augusta Regional Airport.
The Tour blends military excellence and civilian expertise creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere, embodying the spirit of aviation and honoring the skill and dedication of both our armed forces and the global aviation community, according to a Dec. 5 news release.
The tour starts in Orlando April 20-21, 2024, and culminates Oct. 26-27 in Atlanta. Other dates include Fort Lauderdale, Fla., May 11-12, New York, Aug. 10-11 at the Orange County Airport and Ocean City, Md., Aug. 24-25.
“Air Dot Show Tour events appeal to a diverse audience far beyond just aviation enthusiasts, encompassing destination travelers, families, thrill seekers and people of all ages. Our events are a groundbreaking fusion of outdoor festival vibes and a high-flying aviation spectacular, offering a revolutionary blend of a center stage production with the exhilarating performances of an air show,” said The Tour CEO Bryan Lilley, in the news release.
The on-stage program is designed to enrich the attendee experience through team introductions, pilot interviews, and direct crowd engagement with emcees. To further enhance the experience, the program incorporates live music with a DJ, contributing to the dynamic atmosphere. This multifaceted approach ensures that attendees, regardless of their background or interests, can find enjoyment and engagement throughout the entirety of the Air Dot Show Tour experience.
In 2024, the Tour will host a distinguished international guest, the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori, marking their return to the U.S. for the first time since 1992. The Frecce Tricolori will showcase their skills at two of the tour’s destinations: New York, commemorating the 500th anniversary of Giovanni da Verrazzano’s landing in 1524, and Ocean City, Md., in honor of the 75th anniversary of NATO, the release said.
Officially known as the 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico, Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale, Frecce Tricolori, established in 1961, operates the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN, a two-seat fighter-trainer aircraft. With ten aircraft, including nine in close formation and a soloist, they boast the title of the world’s largest acrobatic patrol. Their 30-minute display promises to infuse a touch of Italian flair into the American skies.
The 2024 tour will also feature renowned U.S. military demonstration teams including the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels, along with aircraft demonstrations from various military branches and civilian aircraft piloted by some of the world’s best aviators.
“We cannot wait to share this elevated experience with our 2024 tour attendees,” Lilley said. “These are truly not-to-miss experiences and there are a variety of dates and locations for all.”
To find out more about Augusta’s leg of the tour, visit here.
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