Festivolare Airshow - Trento
History of Festivolare
Festivolare is a dynamic annual air event organized by the Kilometro Azzurro business network, composed of MuSe, Fondazione Museo Storico, Italfly, Lagorair/E+S, and KBS Italia. What began in 2014 as a special tribute to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Commander Francesco Volpi at the G. Caproni Airport in Trento has since evolved into a much-anticipated celebration of aviation.
Born from a passion for flight and history, the event quickly gained momentum, becoming a vibrant showcase of aerial performances, aircraft exhibitions, and aviation culture. Over the past decade, Festivolare has grown from a commemorative gathering into a major event on the regional airshow calendar, attracting enthusiasts, pilots, and families alike.
2024 year marks the tenth anniversary of Festivolare—a milestone that, while it may seem modest at first glance, represents a significant achievement for the organizing bodies. Through years of dedication, they have transformed Festivolare into a symbol of innovation, heritage, and community spirit in the world of aviation.
Participants
The 2024 edition of Festivolare Airshow featured a remarkable lineup of performers and aircraft, celebrating both the elegance of flight and the vital role aviation plays in public service. Among the most captivating displays was a strong presence of helicopters, reflecting the event’s focus on rotary-wing aviation. Spectators had the chance to admire the advanced AW169 from the Guardia di Finanza, the AW139 and P.68 Observer of the Polizia di Stato, the HU 205 helicopter of the Italian Army, and emergency response units from the Nucleo Elicotteri PAT alongside CNSAS – Alpine Rescue and HEMS medical helicopters. These aircraft not only demonstrated their capabilities in the air but also underscored their essential contributions to safety, rescue, and national security.
Taking to the skies with speed and elegance, the legendary Flying Bulls team brought history to life with their stunning T-28B Trojan and Corsair F4U, iconic warbirds maintained by the Red Bull-supported crew known for reviving vintage aircraft and performing across Europe with unmatched precision and flair. Another highlight was the sleek L-39 Albatros of Darkstar, impressing the crowd with its jet-powered agility and performance.
The airshow also welcomed Luca Bertossio, world-renowned glider aerobatics champion, whose breathtaking performance in the Swift S1 reminded audiences of the beauty and grace of silent flight. Italian excellence was further represented by the WeFly Team, the only aerobatic team in the world that includes pilots with disabilities, and Paolo Pocobelli’s “Ali per tutti”, an initiative that makes flight accessible to everyone.
Other notable acts included the agile Extra 300, the powerful CAP 432 MXS, the historical Texan T6, and the elegant SIAI Marchetti SF 260, along with vintage formations like the Pattuglia G46. The Pitts Special, flown in collaboration with Fondazione Nadia Valsecchi, carried a strong message of support for pancreatic cancer research. Vintage military aviation was further enriched by the Ca3 and Spad XIIIR presented by Fondazione Jonathan, and a rare appearance of the YAK 50 and YAK 52.
Beyond the headline participants, many other organizations and pilots contributed to the success of the event. The full lineup of participants included:
Ela Aviacion, Pitts Special + Fondazione Nadia Valsecchi, Crew RV8, WeFly Team, C26, Pattuglia G46, Texan T6, Paolo Pocobelli “Ali per tutti”, Fondazione Jonathan (Ca3, Spad XIIIR), Swift S1, CAP 432 MXS, Extra 300, SIAI Marchetti SF 260, Redbull Gliders, T-28B Trojan, Corsair F4U, Ceccato Automotive, Istituto Superiore Martino Martini, Gruppo Aeromodellistico GAVS, Aeroclub di Bolzano, L-39 Darkstar, AS 315B Lama, HU 205 (Italian Army), Nucleo Elicotteri PAT, CNSAS, Guardia di Finanza (AW169), Polizia di Stato (AW139, P.68 Observer), Guimbal Cabri G2 (Italfly Aviation), AIRBUS Helicopters Italia, AIPM, Ca100, Yak 50, Yak 52.
How is it organised?
Festivolare is fortunate to take place in the spacious setting of Trento Airport, which allows for a well-organized distribution of all participants and exhibition stands. The gates opened at around 10:30 AM, with the flying display starting after 12:00 PM, giving visitors ample time to explore and enjoy the static displays beforehand. On the apron, several food and drink stands were available, offering a place to rest, sit down, and enjoy a peaceful meal. There were also modeling stands for enthusiasts of all ages to explore.
Since the Gianni Caproni Aeronautical Museum is an integral part of Trento Airport, it was open free of charge throughout the two days of Festivolare, offering a unique cultural and historical addition to the event.
Thanks to the company Lagorair/E+S, attendees had the opportunity to take helicopter sightseeing tours over the city of Trento aboard an Airbus H130 and an Airbus H125, adding an unforgettable experience to the airshow.
A particularly pleasant surprise this year was the appearance of the Red Bull Team, who brought a range of aircraft including the T-28B Trojan, the Corsair F4U, and a team of aerobatic gliders that performed stunning routines during the show. Another welcome guest was the L-39 demo team, flown by Alessandro Scorrano, delivering a powerful and captivating demonstration.
Among the many stands at Festivolare, visitors could find a wide range of flight schools, offering pathways from basic VDS licenses to full ATPL certifications. These were represented by local institutions based at Trento Airport and the Bolzano Aeroclub, as well as schools from outside the province, such as Cantor Air, which is based in Valbrembo for practical training and in Nembro for theoretical courses.
As the event came to a close, it was clear that Festivolare 2024 had once again delivered an exciting, educational, and inspiring aviation experience for all ages. The next edition is already in the works for 2025, and if all goes well… we’ll probably be there too!
Grazie and see you in the next article!
Gallery
Article by Matteo Carenini – Pictures by Matteo Carenini