NAVY BLUE ANGELS TO HEADLINE FLORIDA AIR SHOW

The United States Navy Blue Angels will headline the 2009 Florida International Air Show. It will be the team’s 11th visit to the Southwest Florida event. The Navy precision flying team made the announcement today in Las Vegas at the Annual International Council of Air Shows Convention.

The Blue Angels fly the F/A-18 Hornet. The Hornet is the first dual-role fighter/attack aircraft serving on the nation's front lines of defense. The team will be starting their 63rd year and flying this aircraft for the 23rd straight year in 2009.

Chairman of the local air show Fred Buckingham said the team has been a very big part of this event. He added: "the Blue Angels made their first appearance during the inaugural Florida International Air Show in 1981. Their last appearance in 2005 came shortly after Hurricane Charley left major destruction at the Charlotte County Airport. We are excited and honored to have them back as our feature act this year. Their precise aerial maneuvers demonstrate the capabilities of modern high-performance aircraft and the team exhibits the professional qualities of Navy people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft."

Dates for the 2009 event are March 21st and 22nd. Ticket and show information can be found on the web site at www.floridaairshow.com.

The Florida International Air Shows is a Florida not for profit corporation. Our mission is to present a spectacular event that provides wholesome family entertainment, to have widespread volunteer community involvement, encourage aviation education and motivation, provide a positive environment for military recruiting and to support local charities in our community.