The show is an aeronautical display of military, government and civilian aircraft, primarily from Canada and the United States.

[6] In 2020, both the air show and that summer's Canadian National Exhibition were cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

It has been noted that the noise of the jet fighter demonstrations specifically is similar to that experienced by persons in active war zones.

[9] In 2016, a Toronto Star columnist noted, "that in a city with a large population of refugee newcomers and people who have experienced the trauma of war it is insulting, invasive, and violent".

[10][11] In 2021, Toronto City Councillor Joe Cressy called for an end to the air show and in 2023, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow wrote air show organizers a letter saying: "“Millions of Torontonians chose to take root in this City as a place of hope.

For many residents, the tremendous noise generated by high-powered jets flying overhead brings back unwanted memories of the violence and war they fled to call Toronto home.”[12] According to the City of Toronto, the air show "complies with all regulations, including those published by Transport Canada relating to noise.

The air show has included demonstrations of parachuting, aerial fire fighting and search and rescue missions.