 |
| By Carmelo Turdo |
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Canadian Forces Snowbirds were the headliners for the 2026 Spirit of St. Louis Airshow and STEM Expo held this weekend at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. The raw power of the six Blue Angels Super Hornets, celebrating their 80th Anniversary in style, and the graceful Snowbird nine-ship formations thrilled St. Louis airshow fans during each afternoon performance. The appearance of the Snowbirds took on a special meaning after the recent announcement that following this season, the team will stand down for up to four years to retire the current Tutor jets and transition to the CT-157 Siskin II, a turboprop training aircraft based on the Pilatus PC-21. The long-awaited aircraft modernization will bring a new level of safety and reliability to the Snowbirds when they return to the airshow circuit.
The Blue Angels and Snowbirds joined a host of top-tier World War II-era warbirds and civilian performers in the lineup. The Aero Experience joined our friends at the Wings of Hope Friday preview party, and here we present this airshow sampler. Comprehensive coverage of the airshow is available from multiple social media outlets.
A-10C Thunderbolt II Two-Ship Demo, 442nd FW, Whiteman AFB, MO (AFRC)
Warbirds: A6M3 Zero, F-6F-5 Hellcat, Spitfire IXc, F-4U-4 Corsair, F-8F-1B Bearcat. P-51D Mustang
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds performed about midway into the Friday practice, while the U.S. Navy Blue Angels were the closing act. Here are some highlights, including unique views as the jets traversed in and out of the airshow box.
