The Edmonton Elks will host their first Salute to Service game of the season against the Ottawa Redblacks, featuring a pre-game flypast by two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 Hornet fighter jets. The flypast is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium, likely avoiding rain forecast for earlier in the day.
RCAF Pilots Volunteer for Flypast
“The RCAF is proud to support events like these with fly pasts to thrill the public as well as members of the teams and all their support staff,” the RCAF said in a statement. The pilots participating are volunteer members of the RCAF, described as experienced and highly skilled. “The pilots who volunteer to facilitate fly pasts like these are proud to offer their time and support these special events,” the statement added.
Flypasts have become a yearly tradition at Commonwealth Stadium, accompanying many Salute to Service games over the years. This will be the first of two flypasts this season. The CF-18 Hornets have been in RCAF service since the 1980s and have been used in roles including air defence, air superiority, and tactical air and ground support. They have participated in conflicts such as the Gulf War and Kosovo War and are currently being phased out in favor of new Lockheed-Martin jets.
Elks Look to Bounce Back After Loss
The Elks enter the game after a loss to the BC Lions, who claimed their first victory of the season. Running back Justin Rankin leads the league with 406 rushing yards, while the Elks' defence aims to rebound after allowing 36 points to the Lions. Edmonton started the season 3-0 for the first time since 2017, led by quarterback Cody Fajardo. The team is tied for the division lead with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. A division title would be their first since 2015.
The CF-18 Hornet flypast is part of broader RCAF community engagement, with Alberta frequently hosting aerial events, including performances by the Snowbirds, the air force's dedicated air show team.
