In the past few Octobers, between 80,000 and 100,000 thrilled spectators have attended each Wings Over Houston (WOH) Airshow at Ellington Airport (EFD) over a designated weekend. These amazing air shows have provided thrills and chills for aviation buffs, historians, and casual fans alike.

What many fans don’t know is that the shows only tell a portion of the Wings Over Houston story. It’s a story worth sharing according to Arturo Machuca, General Manager at EFD and Houston Spaceport. Machuca said he and EFD have been especially pleased to partner with Wings Over Houston over the years. Now in its 35th year, the Wings Over Houston Airshow has had an association with EFD since its inception in 1984. “This organization is so important to our community and region,” Machuca said, “and is so much more than an exhilarating airshow once a year. Wings Over Houston honors our veterans in a significant way, and they serve tirelessly through fundraising, scholarships, and contributions to many local and national charities, nonprofit organizations, and military recruiting efforts.

“I’m truly proud for the City, Houston Airports and Ellington to be associated with them and I trust it will continue for many years.”

The WOH AirShow is an annual non-profit aviation event presented by the three Houston-area units - the Houston Wing, Gulf Coast Wing and Tora, Tora, Tora - of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). The airshow focuses on honoring our military, past and present; our veterans; and on the exploration and joy of flying. “We are here,” said Natasha Avey, WOH Operations Manager, “to promote aviation, both civilian and military, and inspire the next generation of pilots and crew members through STEM education and pure exposure to many types of aircraft, as well as the men and women that operate them.”

The airshow provides inspiration aplenty, with more than six hours of aerial events and one of the largest ground displays of modern and historic aircraft in North America. WOH was voted the fourth-best Airshow in the nation by USA Today and has been a well-loved and sought-out piece of Houston history for nearly 35 years now. Avey said the staff pride themselves on the many generations of Airshow fans WOH has inspired.

Avey said that Machuca has provided valuable help and guidance to WOH, not just the weekend of the show but throughout the year. “We have loved our partnership with Ellington!” she said. “With a rich aviation history, the great new state-of-the-art Lone Star Flight Museum, and NASA in close proximity, EFD is the perfect place to host one of the most well-respected, well attended and notable airshows in North America.”   

“We hope our success and partnership continues for years to come and that we can all move forward for not only our loyal fanbase, but for the greater good of Ellington,” she continued. “ The Wings Over Houston Airshow is a world-class event and a beloved and intertwined piece of the Houston fabric. We look forward to making the show bigger and better for years and generations to come.”

This year’s October show promises to amaze, according to Avey. Two military jet teams, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, are scheduled to perform. Additionally, the USAF F-35 Demo team will perform, along with local favorite Tora! Tora! Tora! who will re-enact that fateful day at Pearl Harbor and honor our fallen. There will be these acts and much, much more!

The WOH staff is small and mostly volunteer-based. There is a 17-person board of directors along with Executive Director Bill Roach and Avey, who work on the show year-round. “We would not and could not ever make the show happen without the thousands of volunteers and staff member volunteers,” Avey said. “They come back year in and year out to make us one of the best airshows on the planet. These people give up vacation days and time with their families to make sure we are safe, organized and running smooth. We cannot put into words how grateful we are for our Airshow faithful. They are truly what makes our show great!”

Machuca is excited about the Fall performance and applauds the great work of WOH, with so much occurring behind the scenes. “I would encourage people to mark their calendars now – it is going to be a special two days that has something for everyone. Please make plans to come!”