When Dee Hanson, Executive Director of the Alaska Airmen’s Association called on Thursday, she sounded relieved. The first words out of her mouth were, “The show is back on.” The “show” is the annual Great Alaska Aviation Gathering.
Until Thursday, there was doubt about an 18th annual show taking place in the FedEx Express maintenance hangar at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport next May.
A letter to Airmen members and Gathering exhibitors implored recipients to write FedEx management and encourage continued support. “It worked,” continued Dee. “A heartfelt thank you to our members and exhibitors that took the time to write FedEx management this week. Your sincere appreciation was received and your request for their continued support was heard.”
Without the massive hangar, the show – as it exists today – isn’t possible according to Hanson. The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering is a homecoming of sorts for the pilots of Alaska and an enticing destination for those of us “outsider” vendors. The 2015 Gathering is scheduled for May 2-3.