MESA, Ariz. — The Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) famous Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, FIFI -- the only remaining flying example of the aircraft in the world – will visit Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport February 26 through March 1. The airplane will be accompanied by a B-25 Mitchell, C-45 Expeditor, C-47 Skytrain, ANJ (T-6) Texan and PT-17 Stearman. The visit is part of the CAF AirPower History Tour featuring an ever-changing combination of CAF historic warbirds.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, first flown in 1942 and began active service in 1944, is perhaps best known as the aircraft whose missions over Japan helped bring about the end of World War II. It was designed as a replacement for the older B-17s and B-24s, with longer range and greater bomb loads. The B-29 was also used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until the late 1950s.

The event is open to the public and will allow attendees to get up close to these famous military aircraft. Gates are open from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. thereafter. Cockpit tours of the B-29 will be available when the aircraft are not in motion. There are opportunities for attendees to purchase a ride in the airplanes. Visit the tour website at www.AirPowerTour.org for more information about the tour schedule and to make ride reservations.

About the CAF’s B-29 Superfortress, FIFI:
FIFI was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s when a group of CAF members found her at the U.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California where she was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued and restored and flew for over thirty years until 2006 when the chief pilot made the decision to ground her pending a complete power plant re-fit. What followed was an extensive four year restoration that included replacing all four engines.


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About Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
The Airport is owned and operated by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, which consists of Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Gila River Indian Community, Phoenix, and Apache Junction. Gateway Airport offers nonstop passenger service to 35 cities via Allegiant and has 1,000 acres of undeveloped land available for future job growth in the East Valley. For more information, visit www.phxmesagateway.org.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Media Contact:
Brian Sexton, Public Information Officer
Phone: 480-988-7618
Email: bsexton@phxmesagateway.org