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Date: 12/14/2022
WESTFIELD – After a lengthy absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, a staple in the skies above Westfield will make a big return next year.
The Westfield International Air Show is slated for May 13-14, 2023, in conjunction with the 104th Fighter Wing and Barnes Air National Guard Base Open House. On the social media page for the show, updates have been met with enthusiasm and joy from residents as they comment on their plans to attend.
Last year’s show was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, and was slated to feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. At this time, no performers for the 2023 show have been announced.
Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport Manager Christopher Willenborg said the air show was last run in 2017. Until 2000, the show had visited Westfield every other year, and after that it alternated between Barnes and Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, based on the availability of performers.
During his time as manager, Willenborg was involved with four air shows and said attendance was around 50,000 a day. He said he expects between 35,000 and 50,000 a day at next May’s show.
“It’s an opportunity for the public to thank the military for their services, to show support, and have time to enjoy the passion of aviation, the enthusiasm,” Willenborg said. “Families come out and view aircraft from modern fighters to World War II aircraft.”
Willenborg said planning begins a year prior to the show date, and involves airport staff, emergency responders and vendors. He added that this Westfield International Air Show will kick off a series of celebrations to mark the airport’s 100th anniversary.
When asked about his favorite part of the show, Willenborg said seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces was a highlight, as well as the show closing with everything going as planned. He added that the P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre and F-15 Eagle are the planes he looks forward to seeing.
People from all over the Northeast – including New York and New Jersey – travel to see the Westfield International Air Show. Willenborg said some are hobbyists who go to air shows all over the country.
“It’s definitely an economic engine,” Willenborg said of the air show. “People are coming to Westfield, spending money in the community.”