SALINAS — The International Council of Airshows (ICAS) has announced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, and Salinas businessman and one of the founders of the California International Airshow Salinas — Jim Gattis — will be inducted into the Airshow Hall of Fame.
Gattis will be joining some of the most iconic pilots, including locals Roy M. (Butch) Voris, Sean D. Tucker and Wayne Handley.
Gattis was instrumental in launching the California International Airshow in the early 1980s and helped create the innovative “Salinas Plan.” He was honored as the 1985 recipient of the ICAS Sword of Excellence and became just the 10th airshow event organizer to be inducted into the Airshow Hall of Fame.
“We are so proud that one of our own is receiving this honor,” said Harry Wardwell, executive director of the Salinas Airshow. “Jim was not only instrumental in starting this airshow almost 44 years ago, but he is one of the most loyal supporters we have and a champion in our community.”
This year’s Salinas airshow will be held on Oct. 4-5 and will feature the return of the Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo, the Folds of Honor Biplane flown by Ed Hamill, Vicky Benzing Aerosports, the Smoke and Thunder Jet Truck, Sean D. Tucker and the Bob Hoover Academy, statics including P-51 Warbirds and more.
The ICAS Foundation will induct two new members into the Airshow Hall of Fame during the Chairman’s Banquet on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the conclusion of the 2025 ICAS Convention in Las Vegas. A number of the Salinas Airshow board of directors plan to be there to cheer for and celebrate this momentous occasion with Gattis and his family.
For more about the 44th Salinas Airshow, go to salinasairshow.com.
