Airshow-of-the-year debates have gotten complicated with all the opinions flying around from fans who swear their local show is the best. As someone who has attended shows all over the country, I learned everything there is to know about what separates a good airshow from a great one. Today, I will share why Wings Over Pittsburgh just earned the industry’s highest honor.
Wings Over Pittsburgh has been named the 2025 Airshow of the Year by the International Council of Air Shows. The award, announced at the annual ICAS Convention in Las Vegas, recognizes the Pennsylvania event’s exceptional programming, flawless safety record, and community engagement. They beat out heavy hitters including Sun ‘n Fun and MCAS Miramar.
Why Pittsburgh Won — And It Was Not Close
“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.”
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Look at these numbers:
- 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 impact: 4,500 students participated in educational programs
- Veteran recognition: Largest military appreciation program of any 2025 show
The Formula That Worked
Event director Patricia Lowry credits years of incremental improvements and a willingness to take calculated risks on programming nobody else was trying.
“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.”
The standout 2025 elements that caught my attention:
International performers: They brought in the Czech Air Force display team and a Royal Air Force Red Arrows solo. American audiences rarely get to see foreign military precision flying. That alone was worth the trip.
Night operations: A Friday evening twilight show mixing pyrotechnics, LED-equipped aircraft, and a 1,500-drone light display. The combination was apparently spectacular.
Interactive experiences: Expanded cockpit tours, flight simulator stations, and “crew chief for a day” programs for young attendees. Getting kids hands-on with aviation is how you build the next generation of fans.
The Money Tells the Story Too
That’s what makes Wings Over Pittsburgh endearing to us who care about the airshow industry’s future — it proves these events can drive serious economic impact. The show generated an estimated $28 million in regional economic activity according to the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Hotels within 30 miles hit 94% occupancy during show 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.”
What Is Coming in 2026
Organizers are already planning a bigger 2026 show, scheduled for August 14-16 at Pittsburgh International Airport. Early announcements include:
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels confirmed as the headline act
- B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flyover pending availability
- Expanded STEM pavilion with aerospace career programming
- New premium experience packages
“Winning Airshow of the Year puts a target on your back,” Lowry said. “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. Based on what they pulled off in 2025, I would not wait to grab yours.
