Blue Angels boost airshow attendance

For the first time in a decade the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are flying high above the California International Airshow in Salinas.

Over the phone, Saturday, the event’s Marketing Coordinator, Julie Ann Lozano, told KION that there has been an estimated 30 percent increase in ticket sales in 2019. The return of the Blue Angels is the expected reason why.

“(I’m here) just to come see the Blue Angels. There’s no way I can miss that. And I brought (my son) because my dad used to take me to the airshows,” Jordan Ciliberto said.

The packed crowd saw the Blue Angels perform stunts for hours. Salinas resident Ezra Pimentel says he has a fascination for planes and jets. “I was thinking about being a pilot in the Air Force of the Marines. My brother is a Marine, and that is why. I’m getting my inspiration from him.”

Pimentel says his favorite part of the airshow is the “Havilland Vampire” jet.

The Salinas Airshow continues on Sunday.