Wings Over Pittsburgh Wins Airshow of the Year

Wings Over Pittsburgh has been named the 2025 Airshow of the Year by the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), recognizing the Pennsylvania event’s exceptional programming, safety record, and community engagement.

The award, announced at the annual ICAS Convention in Las Vegas, honors the airshow industry’s highest standards of excellence. Wings Over Pittsburgh beat out dozens of competitors including perennial favorites Sun ‘n Fun and MCAS Miramar.

Why Pittsburgh Won

“This wasn’t a close vote,” said ICAS president John Cudahy. “Wings Over Pittsburgh checked every box—innovative programming, flawless safety execution, record attendance, and measurable community impact. They’ve become a model for how airshows should operate.”

Key factors in the selection:

• Record attendance: 175,000 visitors over three days, up 23% from 2024
• Zero safety incidents: Among performers, staff, and spectators
• Diverse lineup: 47 aircraft types including rare European warbirds
• STEM integration: 4,500 students participated in educational programs
• Veteran recognition: Largest military appreciation program of any 2025 show

The Winning Formula

Event director Patricia Lowry credits years of incremental improvements and a willingness to take calculated risks on new programming.

“We stopped asking ‘what did we do last year?’ and started asking ‘what would make someone drive five hours to see us?'” Lowry said. “That mindset shift changed everything.”

Standout 2025 elements included:

International performers: The show brought in the Czech Air Force display team and a Royal Air Force Red Arrows solo, giving American audiences rare opportunities to see foreign military precision flying.

Night operations: A Friday evening twilight show featuring pyrotechnics, LED-equipped aircraft, and a 1,500-drone light display.

Interactive experiences: Expanded cockpit tours, flight simulator stations, and “crew chief for a day” programs for young attendees.

Economic Impact

Beyond the trophy, the show generated an estimated $28 million in regional economic activity, according to the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Hotels within 30 miles reported 94% occupancy during the event weekend.

“This is Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato. “Visitors come from across the country, fill our hotels and restaurants, and experience everything our region has to offer. The airshow has become essential to our tourism economy.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Organizers are already planning an even more ambitious 2026 show, scheduled for August 14-16 at Pittsburgh International Airport. Early announcements include:

• U.S. Navy Blue Angels confirmed as headline performers
• B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flyover pending availability
• Expanded STEM pavilion with aerospace career focus
• New premium experience packages

“Winning Airshow of the Year puts a target on your back,” Lowry said with a smile. “Now we have to prove it wasn’t a fluke. We’re ready for that challenge.”

Tickets for Wings Over Pittsburgh 2026 go on sale February 1 at wingsoverpittsburgh.com.