A group of local pilots want to showcase Sarnia's Chris Hadfield Airport.
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Flight 7 flying club has organized a fly-in event on August 14, inviting pilots from across Ontario to visit.
Pilot and spokesperson Mark Seibutis said this will be the first event in two years for the club.
He said they wanted to do something positive to help out the community, and the airport which has been struggling.
"We tried to think of a way that we can present a positive light to the airport, while highlighting the asset that the community has so that they can come and see it, and to bring aircraft and other people in to Sarnia to see the airport, to hopefully generate more business, tourism, etc.," said Seibutis.
He said they're hoping the airport's namesake Chris Hadfield will make a special appearance.
"I spoke to a famous astronaut and his family and they're pretty excited about this happening at Sarnia, and if the weather permits for them, they'll probably be flying in."
The fly-in is on from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Seibutis also invites non-pilots to visit the airport that day to show their support.
"I'm hoping that local politicians come out, councillors, I hope they come out and see the asset we have, and then lets as a community work to make this airport a place that people want to come, a destination, a place you can fly out of and go see the world."
City council in December approved a one-year contract with Scottsdale Aviation, for $360,000 to maintain operations at the airport, after Air Canada pulled out in July 2020.
Seibutis said COVID-19 protocols will be in place for the event, and patrons will be screened at the gate.
