Aviation News – The Air Legend 2026 airshow at Melun-Villaroche, southeast of Paris, brought more than 80 historic and modern aircraft together while paying tribute to the creator of the Air Legend concept, who died one year ago.
The eighth edition, organized by Larivière Publishing and Amara Airshow, continued the format that has attracted aviation enthusiasts since 2018. The event takes place at Melun-Villaroche Aerodrome in Montereau-sur-le-Jard, around 40 kilometers southeast of Paris, and has secured an agreement with SYMPAV that will keep the show at the historic airfield through 2030.
Air Legend 2026 offered a broad cross-section of aviation history. The announced lineup included the B-17 Flying Fortress, several P-51 Mustangs, the Douglas A-26C Invader, PBY-5A Catalina, Douglas DC-3 and F-86 Sabre, alongside modern aircraft such as the Mirage 2000D Couteau Delta, Rafale Marine and a Corsair A330neo.
The event’s operational appeal came from the contrast between aircraft from different generations. Visitors could see piston-engine aircraft representing the Second World War era alongside jet fighters and a modern widebody airliner, creating an aerial showcase that demonstrated the rapid development of aviation technology from propeller-driven aircraft to high-performance jets.
Organizers emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong connection between aviation history and the public. The continued partnership with SYMPAV through 2030 underlines the ambition to establish Melun-Villaroche as a long-term venue for one of France’s major historic aviation events.
The Air Legend airshow is set to remain a major meeting point for warbird operators, military aviation and aviation enthusiasts. By combining historic aircraft with modern military and commercial types, the event provides a unique perspective on more than a century of aviation development.
The 2026 edition demonstrated how aviation history can be presented alongside today’s aircraft in a single spectacular event. With more than 80 aircraft, Melun-Villaroche once again provided a setting where legendary warbirds and modern aviation could share the same stage. The agreement extending the event through 2030 also offers a strong foundation for future editions.
