McConnell Air Force Base
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kansas – McConnell AFB has confirmed acts for the 2026 Frontiers in Flight Airshow and Open House on Oct. 24-25.
“The air show’s going to be a great time,” said Maj. Avery Larkin, air show director. “There’ll be so many people all concentrated together to appreciate all the wonderful things that our military, our first responders, and the aviation community do. I think it will be a great opportunity to both give back to the community and engage with the community.”
Gates open at 10:30 a.m. on both days, with performances taking place from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The air show will open with U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue, marking the first time McConnell has hosted parachutists for the air show since 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to begin at 3 p.m.
Aerial performers, in order of their air show performances, are:
- U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute Demonstration Team
- Scott Francis and his ultra-high performance MXS aircraft
- Dual KC-135 and KC-46 flyover
- Matt Younkin, flying a vintage Beech 18
- Tom Larkin, in his SubSonex Mini Jet
- Brian Correll, in a highly customized Aviat Pitts S-2S
- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
Several static displays – aircraft on the ground to see and/or tour – have also been finalized. These include:
- Doc, the B-29 Superfortress based out of Wichita
- Beechcraft T-6 Texan II
- Northrop T-38 Talon
- Bombardier Global 8000
- F-35 Lightning II
- C-17 Globemaster III
- A-10 Thunderbolt II
- KC-46A Pegasus
- KC-135 Stratotanker
This will be the final opportunity for visitors to see McConnell’s KC-135s take flight at the air show, as the base will be completing its transition to exclusively the KC-46 by summer 2027.
“I’m excited to see the team’s hard work pay off,” said 1st Lt. William Johnson, air show deputy director. “It’s been a big lift and a lot of work, but we’re excited to show the Wichita community what we have in store. We’re anticipating record numbers at this year’s air show.”
In addition to aviation, visitors will find various other attractions, ranging from ground vehicles such as tanks and super cars, to flight simulators and a family zone for kids. There will also be a STEM hangar with several exhibits.
“The STEM hangar will be really cool for kids, honestly for everybody,” Larkin commented. “I think it’s a great chance to learn about all of the tech, science and math that goes into aviation.”
For more information on the Frontiers in Flight 2026 airshow, visit: https://frontiersinflight.com