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CAVALCADE

of wings

Cavalcade of Wings is a nonprofit that documents, displays, and maintains the history of aviation for the city of Albuquerque, Kirtland Air Force Base, and the State of New Mexico. There are over 900 scale aircraft models on display at the Albuquerque Sunport along with stories, photos, and insignia, that tell the aviation history of New Mexico. The aviation history museum is located in the “Great Hall” at the Sunport and is free to the public.

MODELS

over 900 models on display

The scale aircraft models on display at the Sunport tell the story 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. Browse this section of the website to see the models displayed at the Albuquerque Sunport. The models are showcased individually and describe their importance to New Mexico’s aviation history.

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at the Sunport

The Cavalcade of Wings aviation history museum is located in the “Great Hall” at the Albuquerque Sunport. On display are aircraft models, photos, narratives, and aviation artifacts showcasing the aviation history of Albuquerque, Kirtland Air Force Base, and the State of New Mexico.

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. 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.

SEARCH BY MODEL #

Albuquerque's Top Models

The Cavalcade of Wings historic scale aircraft model display stands ready to greet visitors in the Albuquerque Sunport’s “Great Hall”, located on Level 2.

A Step Back in Time...

A Stinson Gullwing-Reliant is parked on the apron at the Albuquerque Air Terminal in the 1940’s.

Greetings from Albuquerque!

This iconic postcard was used by TWA in the 1940’s to advertise its service to Albuquerque. The postcard is a colorized version of an actual black and white photo taken on the apron of the Albuquerque Municipal Airport.

Express Service

The first commercial flight to Albuquerque, a Western Air Express Fokker F10, waits on the apron for departing passengers at Oxnard Field…Albuquerque’s first air field, in 1929.

All Aboard for TWA

A majestic TWA Lockheed L-049 Constellation, nicknamed the “Connie”, is parked on the apron at the Albuquerque Municipal Airport waiting for passengers to board in this photograph from the 1950’s.

That's the Spirit!!!

The famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh, makes a stop near Santa Fe, New Mexico during his Goodwill Tour in September of 1927.

Patrolling the Skies

The New Mexico Air National Guard 150th Fighter Wing, nicknamed the Tacos, flies in formation using the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star (the NM Guard’s first jets) over the skies of New Mexico in this undated photo.

Learning To Fly

During World War Two, US Army Air Corps pilots were trained to fly the new four engine Boeing B-24’s at Kirtland Air Force Base, courtesy of TWA’s Four Engine School, also known as Eagles Nest and the Jack Frye School.

Sundown on the F-16

A lone General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon from the New Mexico Air National Guard’s 150th Fighter Wing, the” Tacos”, sits in a glorious Albuquerque sunset not long before its retirement from service in 2011.

Support CAVALCADE OF WINGS

Cavalcade of Wings is a nonprofit 501(3)(c) educational organization that documents and displays New Mexico’s aviation history. As a nonprofit, we are registered with the Internal Revenue Service, the New Mexico Corporation Commission and the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. Managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, Cavalcade is always improving the exhibits and acquiring additional models and artifacts. If you would like to help us, we gratefully accept monetary donations, aviation related information, photos, and artifacts.

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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. ...