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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The United States Air Force Parachute Team “Wings of Blue” performed at the Holloman AFB Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show. These photos show the team landing at Holloman with each parachutist carrying the flag for each of the services: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and the Space Force. Photos by @campcraig71
The United States Air Force Parachute Team “Wings of Blue” performed at the Holloman AFB Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show. These photos show the team landing at Holloman with each parachutist carrying the flag for each of the services: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and the Space Force. Photos by @campcraig71
The Commemorative Air Force was represented at the Holloman AFB Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show of June 2, 2024, and brought several aircraft for static display and fly-bys. The three aircraft shown here include the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Curtis P-40 Warhawk, and the North American PBJ-1J Mitchell Bomber sporting Marine colors. Photos by @campcraig71
The Commemorative Air Force was represented at the Holloman AFB Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show of June 2, 2024, and brought several aircraft for static display and fly-bys. The three aircraft shown here include the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Curtis P-40 Warhawk, and the North American PBJ-1J Mitchell Bomber sporting Marine colors. Photos by @campcraig71
Holloman AFB had several of their F-16C Fighting Falcon’s on static display for the Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show on June 2, 2024. The four aircraft shown here represent the 49 Fighter Wing and the 54th Fighter Group with its three operational squadrons, the 8th Fighter Squadron “The Black Sheep”, the 311th Fighter Squadron “Sidewinders”, and the 314th Fighter Squadron “Warhawks”. Photos by @campcraig71
Holloman AFB had several of their F-16C Fighting Falcon’s on static display for the Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show on June 2, 2024. The four aircraft shown here represent the 49 Fighter Wing and the 54th Fighter Group with its three operational squadrons, the 8th Fighter Squadron “The Black Sheep”, the 311th Fighter Squadron “Sidewinders”, and the 314th Fighter Squadron “Warhawks”. Photos by @campcraig71
Another headliner at the Holloman AFB Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show was the Undaunted Airshows aerobatic routine. Here is Stephen “Christo” Christopher flying his Vans Aircraft red and white RV7 alongside Todd “Woody” Rudberg flying his orange RV8 during their routine on June 2, 2024. Photos by @campcraig71
Another headliner at the Holloman AFB Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show was the Undaunted Airshows aerobatic routine. Here is Stephen “Christo” Christopher flying his Vans Aircraft red and white RV7 alongside Todd “Woody” Rudberg flying his orange RV8 during their routine on June 2, 2024. Photos by @campcraig71
The US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” were the headliner at the Holloman Air Force Base Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show. Here they are during their performance at Holloman on June 2, 2024. Photos by @campcraig71
The US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” were the headliner at the Holloman Air Force Base Legacy of Liberty 2024 Air Show. Here they are during their performance at Holloman on June 2, 2024. Photos by @campcraig71
Southwest Boeing 737-8 MAX, N8710M, has a special livery commemorating the State of Hawaii and has been named Imua One. The aircraft is seen departing off runway 08 from the Albuquerque Sunport very early on the morning of June 5, 2024. It was due to fly to Houston Hobby Airport but diverted to San Antonio Texas due to severe weather at Houston.
Southwest Boeing 737-8 MAX, N8710M, has a special livery commemorating the State of Hawaii and has been named Imua One. The aircraft is seen departing off runway 08 from the Albuquerque Sunport very early on the morning of June 5, 2024. It was due to fly to Houston Hobby Airport but diverted to San Antonio Texas due to severe weather at Houston.
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX, N932AK, has a special livery of Orca Killer Whales. The aircraft is seen arriving at the Albuquerque Sunport on June 13, 2024 after a flight from Seattle.
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX, N932AK, has a special livery of Orca Killer Whales. The aircraft is seen arriving at the Albuquerque Sunport on June 13, 2024 after a flight from Seattle.
PSA, short for Pacific Southwest Airlines, began service to Albuquerque on June 15, 1983, 41 years ago. PSA stepped in providing flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco as TWA (Trans World Airlines) ended their service. PSA mainly flew the MD-80 to the Albuquerque Sunport but occasionally flew the Boeing 727-200 like aircraft N791L seen here at San Francisco. PSA merged into USAir in 1988 which in turn merged into American in 2015. Thanks to the late Jon Proctor for use of his photography.
PSA, short for Pacific Southwest Airlines, began service to Albuquerque on June 15, 1983, 41 years ago. PSA stepped in providing flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco as TWA (Trans World Airlines) ended their service. PSA mainly flew the MD-80 to the Albuquerque Sunport but occasionally flew the Boeing 727-200 like aircraft N791L seen here at San Francisco. PSA merged into USAir in 1988 which in turn merged into American in 2015. Thanks to the late Jon Proctor for use of his photography.
United Airlines began service to Albuquerque on June 15, 1982, 42 years ago. They started with two flights to Denver (Stapleton Airport at the time) and soon added flights to Chicago and San Francisco. Seen here is a United Boeing 737-300, N361UA, at the Albuquerque Sunport circa 1989 wearing the Saul Bass livery used by United during the latter 1970’s and thru the 1980’s.
United Airlines began service to Albuquerque on June 15, 1982, 42 years ago. They started with two flights to Denver (Stapleton Airport at the time) and soon added flights to Chicago and San Francisco. Seen here is a United Boeing 737-300, N361UA, at the Albuquerque Sunport circa 1989 wearing the Saul Bass livery used by United during the latter 1970’s and thru the 1980’s.
JetBlue had this Airbus A321, N980JT, make a fuel stop at the Albuquerque Sunport on the morning of May 29, 2024. The flight, number 577, normally flies nonstop from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco but was pre-planned to stop at ABQ on this date. It is seen departing from Atlantic Aviation where it was fueled. This aircraft is also wearing one of the newest of JetBlue’s many tail designs which was debuted in 2023.
JetBlue had this Airbus A321, N980JT, make a fuel stop at the Albuquerque Sunport on the morning of May 29, 2024. The flight, number 577, normally flies nonstop from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco but was pre-planned to stop at ABQ on this date. It is seen departing from Atlantic Aviation where it was fueled. This aircraft is also wearing one of the newest of JetBlue’s many tail designs which was debuted in 2023.
Cavalcade of Wings will be attending and photographing the Holloman Air Force Base “Legacy of Liberty” Air Show on June 2, 2024 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The airshow will feature the US Air Force Thunderbirds along with static aircraft displays. Watch for photos from this exciting event.
Cavalcade of Wings will be attending and photographing the Holloman Air Force Base “Legacy of Liberty” Air Show on June 2, 2024 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The airshow will feature the US Air Force Thunderbirds along with static aircraft displays. Watch for photos from this exciting event.
Four Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700’s are seen in this ramp photo from the Albuquerque Sunport on October 16, 2016. The registrations of the two furthest aircraft cannot be determined, the third aircraft is N7819A and the fourth, furthest right, is N426WN.
Four Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700’s are seen in this ramp photo from the Albuquerque Sunport on October 16, 2016. The registrations of the two furthest aircraft cannot be determined, the third aircraft is N7819A and the fourth, furthest right, is N426WN.
Two United Airlines aircraft are seen in this ramp photo taken on July 8, 2016 at the Albuquerque Sunport. On the left is a Boeing 737-800, N25201, and on the right is an Airbus A320, N445UA.
Two United Airlines aircraft are seen in this ramp photo taken on July 8, 2016 at the Albuquerque Sunport. On the left is a Boeing 737-800, N25201, and on the right is an Airbus A320, N445UA.
This ramp photo from May 21, 2016 shows three Delta Airlines aircraft at the Albuquerque Sunport, a Boeing 717 on the left (registration unknown), a Boeing 757-200 in the center, N682DA, and an Airbus A320 on the right, N357NB.
This ramp photo from May 21, 2016 shows three Delta Airlines aircraft at the Albuquerque Sunport, a Boeing 717 on the left (registration unknown), a Boeing 757-200 in the center, N682DA, and an Airbus A320 on the right, N357NB.
This ramp photo from the Albuquerque Sunport shows an American Airlines Boeing 737-800, N964NN, and an Amercian Eagle Bombardier CRJ-700, N516AE, taken on September 17, 2016.
This ramp photo from the Albuquerque Sunport shows an American Airlines Boeing 737-800, N964NN, and an Amercian Eagle Bombardier CRJ-700, N516AE, taken on September 17, 2016.
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.