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AVOCA — The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport announced Thursday that its next air show will be in August 2020, not in spring 2019 as had initially been planned.

For months, airport officials have been working with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to seek permission to close certain parts of the turnpike near the airport to allow for the renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels to perform during Memorial Day weekend 2019.

“The expected heavy Memorial Day holiday traffic precluded any turnpike closures during that time,” said Carl Beardsley, airport executive director.

The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, was to be the main attraction at the 2019 NEPAirshow, which was going to be held earlier than the normal August show due to availability, Beardsley said. The performances would’ve required air and ground space in the vicinity of the turnpike near the airport to be closed certain times that weekend, he said.

“We understand the Pa. Turnpike Commission’s position and are disappointed for sure,” noted Beardsley. “Fortunately, we have worked out a plan for August 2020 that will make the next air show an incredible spectacle. More specifically, we have been informed by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds that they plan to participate in NEPAirshow 2020 as well.”

The 2020 show has been set for the weekend of Aug. 22-23.

Beardsley explained that staging an air show is a complicated process.

“It involves establishing an ‘aerial box’ with the FAA where an aircraft will fly, which sometimes requires temporarily closing roadways on the ground so that no one is in the aerial box,” Beardsley explained.

All possible options were explored with the help of the Federal Aviation Administration, David Schultz Air Shows and the Blue Angels, he added.

”After a very detailed review and final meetings the week of Dec. 3, this decision was finalized,” said Beardsley.

Patrick M. O’Malley, airport board chairman, added, “While this is disappointing for 2019, our airport team is already gearing up for August 2020 to deliver another great air show.”

Pilot Jacquie Warda (Jacquie B) performs aerial acrobatics against the clouds at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Air Show at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in 2017. The air show was set to return in 2019, but now that will be delayed to 2020.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_TTL081417airshow_6CMYK.jpg.optimal.jpgPilot Jacquie Warda (Jacquie B) performs aerial acrobatics against the clouds at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Air Show at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in 2017. The air show was set to return in 2019, but now that will be delayed to 2020. Bill Tarutis | Times Leader File Photo

By Bill O’Boyle

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.