CAVALCADE OF WINGS
Overview
Cavalcade of Wings is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit that has been documenting and displaying the aviation history for the Albuquerque Sunport, Kirtland Air Force Base, and the State of New Mexico since 1965. The aviation museum at the Albuquerque Sunport began with one display case and 25 models in 1965 and now contains over 900 commercial, military, and private aircraft models in 18 display cases. Along with aircraft models, Cavalcade of Wings collects and displays aviation insignia, photos, and artifacts to help tell this incredible aviation story of New Mexico.
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Latest News
New Location
The Albuquerque Sunport plans to relocate the Cavalcade of Wings Aviation History Museum to accommodate the ongoing “Dream of Flight” construction project. Here are the architect’s renderings of the proposed design solution showing new display cases located in the Great Hall underneath the existing Ingram-Foster Biplane display.
The Sunport’s proposed Cavalcade of Wings
aviation museum conceptual design.
900+ Models
Located in the Albuquerque Sunport Terminal’s “Great Hall”, the Cavalcade of Wings aviation museum has on display over 900 scale commercial, military, and private aircraft models. From the first balloon flight in 1882, the first airplane to visit the state in 1911, the first military use of airplanes for a campaign in 1916, the first commercial airplane service to Albuquerque in 1929, to the commercial and military aircraft flying into New Mexico today are on display.
NM Airfields' History
Cavalcade of Wings has collected and preserved the legacy of every civilian and military airfield across the entire State of New Mexico. From all active airports and military bases to the exciting histories of airports and bases that no longer exist. Along with the airfield histories, the stories of the many local and national personalities that helped create the rich history of New Mexico’s aviation past are documented.
Media Collections
Cavalcade of Wings has collected a diverse set of artifacts to help preserve the aviation history of New Mexico. From the expansive photo collection to a wide range of documents, letters, and insignia, these artifacts tell a compelling story of the colorful events that has defined New Mexico’s aviation history.
Our Museum is open 24/7
The Cavalcade of Wings aviation history museum is a tribute to the pioneers of flight and the celebration of the continuing evolution of aviation technology. The museum highlights the excitement and wonder that people have felt about flight since the earliest days of aviation, and the enduring fascination that airplanes continue to inspire in people of all ages today. All of that history has been combined with the contributions of the State of New Mexico to show our place in aviation history.
“I’m not bound to be in aviation at all. I’m here only because I love the sky and flying more than anything else on earth. Of course there’s danger; but a certain amount of danger is essential to the quality of life. I don’t believe in taking foolish chances’ but nothing can be accomplished without taking any chance at all” ~ Charles Lindbergh
History Since
Aircraft Models
HOURS A DAY – THE MUSEUM IS OPEN
Featured Models
a Sample of Our Models
FRANK HAWKS TEXACO TRAVEL AIR TYPE R MYSTERY SHIP
Learn about the airplane purchased by Texaco as a revolutionary new racing aircraft, the Travel Air Type R Mystery Ship.
DE PINEDO SAVOIA-MARCHETTI S-55 SANTA MARIA
Learn about the ill fated aircraft that was planning a flight around the world during the winter of 1926-27.
R. L. HARRISON TRAVEL AIR 4000
Learn about the the first “Company” plane in Albuquerque, this aircraft was used to deliver parts to any place it could land.
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This Global X Airbus A320, N628VA, is seen departing from the Albuquerque Sunport on April 28, 2024 for a charter flight to the Rio Grande Valley International Airport at Harlingen, Texas.
This Global X Airbus A320, N628VA, is seen departing from the Albuquerque Sunport on April 28, 2024 for a charter flight to the Rio Grande Valley International Airport at Harlingen, Texas.
Seen here is the American Boeing 737-800, N915NN, painted in the retro colors of TWA. The aircraft is seen passing directly over the Albuquerque Sunport on April 22, 2024 on a flight from Nashville to Phoenix at an altitude of 36,000 feet. Note the double red stripes curling under the fuselage near the aft.
Seen here is the American Boeing 737-800, N915NN, painted in the retro colors of TWA. The aircraft is seen passing directly over the Albuquerque Sunport on April 22, 2024 on a flight from Nashville to Phoenix at an altitude of 36,000 feet. Note the double red stripes curling under the fuselage near the aft.
On May 1, 1974, 50 years ago, Trans World Airlines, TWA, began the first widebody jumbo jet service to Albuquerque with the Lockheed L-1011. Widebody jets had only been in operation for four years when the massive aircraft began serving the Albuquerque Sunport on a flight to Chicago O’Hare Airport. The Sunport had built a new wing the year prior with a gate equipped with the airports first jetbridge to handle such an aircraft. Many thanks to the late Jon Proctor for use of his photos.
On May 1, 1974, 50 years ago, Trans World Airlines, TWA, began the first widebody jumbo jet service to Albuquerque with the Lockheed L-1011. Widebody jets had only been in operation for four years when the massive aircraft began serving the Albuquerque Sunport on a flight to Chicago O’Hare Airport. The Sunport had built a new wing the year prior with a gate equipped with the airports first jetbridge to handle such an aircraft. Many thanks to the late Jon Proctor for use of his photos.
Fortescue Metals chairman, Aussie legend, and billionaire, Dr Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, Australia’s richest man, $98 million dollar Bombardier Global Express 7500 private jet, VH-FMG, was photographed at the Albuquerque Sunport after arriving from Montreal Quebec Canada on April 25, 2024. The Global 7500 is the largest, longest range, roomiest and most luxurious purpose-built business aircraft built to date. Photo compliments of Craig Campbell.
Fortescue Metals chairman, Aussie legend, and billionaire, Dr Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, Australia’s richest man, $98 million dollar Bombardier Global Express 7500 private jet, VH-FMG, was photographed at the Albuquerque Sunport after arriving from Montreal Quebec Canada on April 25, 2024. The Global 7500 is the largest, longest range, roomiest and most luxurious purpose-built business aircraft built to date. Photo compliments of Craig Campbell.
Pallas Aviation’s LM-100J, N91BU, a civil multi-purpose air freighter capable of rapid and efficient transport of cargo, was captured at the Albuquerque Sunport on April 22, 2024. The aircraft, a derivative of the C-130J Super Hercules, is one of three LM-100J’s managed by Pallas Aviation and is based at the Alliance Airport (KAFW) in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo compliments of Craig Campbell.
Pallas Aviation’s LM-100J, N91BU, a civil multi-purpose air freighter capable of rapid and efficient transport of cargo, was captured at the Albuquerque Sunport on April 22, 2024. The aircraft, a derivative of the C-130J Super Hercules, is one of three LM-100J’s managed by Pallas Aviation and is based at the Alliance Airport (KAFW) in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo compliments of Craig Campbell.
This Grob G-520, N4510, owned by AV Experts, LLC, based at Denison, TX (GYI), was seen at the Albuquerque Sunport on March 31, 2024. The Grob G-520 is a glider tow aircraft for the Perlan Project, whose eventual goal to fly a glider to an altitude of 100,000 feet for atmospheric study. The Grob G-520 is a single engine turboprop aircraft developed in Germany in the late 80s for high-altitude surveillance. The aircraft has long, slender wings, a comically large exhaust port, and the bulgy appearance of the fuselage. Despite a maximum takeoff weight comparable to an Embraer Phenom 100, the G-520 has a wingspan similar to a 737-800 and only six aircraft were produced. Photo compliments of Craig Campbell.
This Grob G-520, N4510, owned by AV Experts, LLC, based at Denison, TX (GYI), was seen at the Albuquerque Sunport on March 31, 2024. The Grob G-520 is a glider tow aircraft for the Perlan Project, whose eventual goal to fly a glider to an altitude of 100,000 feet for atmospheric study. The Grob G-520 is a single engine turboprop aircraft developed in Germany in the late 80s for high-altitude surveillance. The aircraft has long, slender wings, a comically large exhaust port, and the bulgy appearance of the fuselage. Despite a maximum takeoff weight comparable to an Embraer Phenom 100, the G-520 has a wingspan similar to a 737-800 and only six aircraft were produced. Photo compliments of Craig Campbell.
This Alaska Boeing 737-800, N565AS, carries a special livery promoting Disneyland. It is seen arriving at the Albuquerque Sunport after a flight from Seattle on April 15, 2024.
This Alaska Boeing 737-800, N565AS, carries a special livery promoting Disneyland. It is seen arriving at the Albuquerque Sunport after a flight from Seattle on April 15, 2024.
On April 16, 2007, 17 years ago, ExpressJet added flying under its own brand from Albuquerque to six cities in California, Oklahoma, and Texas that were not served by any other carrier. This ExpressJet Embraer 145, N13161, is seen in its own house livery arriving at the Albuquerque Sunport on April 17, 2007, one day after operations began. Steeply rising fuel prices at the time caused ExpressJet to abandon its own flying by August, 2008.
On April 16, 2007, 17 years ago, ExpressJet added flying under its own brand from Albuquerque to six cities in California, Oklahoma, and Texas that were not served by any other carrier. This ExpressJet Embraer 145, N13161, is seen in its own house livery arriving at the Albuquerque Sunport on April 17, 2007, one day after operations began. Steeply rising fuel prices at the time caused ExpressJet to abandon its own flying by August, 2008.
ExpressJet was formed to be the exclusive feeder carrier for Continental Airlines using a fleet of Embraer 135 and Embraer 145 regional jets. This ExpressJet Embraer 135, N12530, operating as Continental Express, is seen pushing back at the Albuquerque Sunport in the mid 2000’s for a flight to Houston, Continental’s primary hub.
ExpressJet was formed to be the exclusive feeder carrier for Continental Airlines using a fleet of Embraer 135 and Embraer 145 regional jets. This ExpressJet Embraer 135, N12530, operating as Continental Express, is seen pushing back at the Albuquerque Sunport in the mid 2000’s for a flight to Houston, Continental’s primary hub.
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, Delta scheduled an Airbus 220-100 on their 12 noon flight to Salt Lake City, a flight that normally operates with an Embraer 175 flown by Delta Connection operator SkyWest Airlines. The aircraft, N109DU, is seen departing the Albuquerque Sunport as very strong winds kick up a dust storm in the background.
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, Delta scheduled an Airbus 220-100 on their 12 noon flight to Salt Lake City, a flight that normally operates with an Embraer 175 flown by Delta Connection operator SkyWest Airlines. The aircraft, N109DU, is seen departing the Albuquerque Sunport as very strong winds kick up a dust storm in the background.
A NetJets Embraer Phenom 300 private charter, N468QS, is seen here arriving at the Double Eagle II Airport on April 5, 2024.
A NetJets Embraer Phenom 300 private charter, N468QS, is seen here arriving at the Double Eagle II Airport on April 5, 2024.
iAero Airways, formerly Swift Air, was a large charter air carrier that had flown many charter flights through Albuquerque over the past decade. The carrier recently filed for bankrupty protection and closed its doors on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Seen here is an iAero Boeing 737-800, N624XA, at the Albuquerque Sunport on September 26, 2021. Cavalcade of Wings has more photos of iAero posted on March 8, 2023 and of Swift Air on March 21, 2023.
iAero Airways, formerly Swift Air, was a large charter air carrier that had flown many charter flights through Albuquerque over the past decade. The carrier recently filed for bankrupty protection and closed its doors on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Seen here is an iAero Boeing 737-800, N624XA, at the Albuquerque Sunport on September 26, 2021. Cavalcade of Wings has more photos of iAero posted on March 8, 2023 and of Swift Air on March 21, 2023.
The Ford Tri-motor as it taxis to parking at Albuquerque’s Double Eagle on April 4. The aircraft made seven trips on its first day and nine trips on Friday, April 5. High winds by 1pm on Friday caused the aircraft to suspend flights on Friday afternoon as well as all day Saturday.
The Ford Tri-motor as it taxis to parking at Albuquerque’s Double Eagle on April 4. The aircraft made seven trips on its first day and nine trips on Friday, April 5. High winds by 1pm on Friday caused the aircraft to suspend flights on Friday afternoon as well as all day Saturday.
The Ford Tri-motor on final approach to runway 17 at Albuquerque’s Double Eagle II Airport on April 4, 2024.
The Ford Tri-motor on final approach to runway 17 at Albuquerque’s Double Eagle II Airport on April 4, 2024.
A 1929 Ford 4-AT Tri-motor, NC8407, owned and operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is on display at the Double Eagle II Airport west of Albuquerque from April 4 through 7, 2024. The aircraft is in the markings of its original owner, Eastern Air Transport, which later became Eastern Air Lines, a major carrier in the United States from 1926 through 1991. The tri-motor is seen here on April 4 ready to taxi for a short flight around Albuquerque’s west side with seven passengers.
A 1929 Ford 4-AT Tri-motor, NC8407, owned and operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is on display at the Double Eagle II Airport west of Albuquerque from April 4 through 7, 2024. The aircraft is in the markings of its original owner, Eastern Air Transport, which later became Eastern Air Lines, a major carrier in the United States from 1926 through 1991. The tri-motor is seen here on April 4 ready to taxi for a short flight around Albuquerque’s west side with seven passengers.
Southwest Airlines began service to Albuquerque on April 3, 1980 and celebrates their 44th anniversary today. Seen here is a Southwest Boeing 737-700, N224WN, photographed at the Albuquerque Sunport on July 13, 2006 with a special livery commemorating the NBA. The aircraft was titled “Slam Dunk One” and had a very impressive and detailed image of a basketball.
Southwest Airlines began service to Albuquerque on April 3, 1980 and celebrates their 44th anniversary today. Seen here is a Southwest Boeing 737-700, N224WN, photographed at the Albuquerque Sunport on July 13, 2006 with a special livery commemorating the NBA. The aircraft was titled “Slam Dunk One” and had a very impressive and detailed image of a basketball.