Atlas-operated Boeing Dreamlifter Steals the Show at AirVenture 2023

(L-R) Captain David Telshaw, First Officer Vanessa Riveiro and Captain Tom Vize at the airshow.

Hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts from around the world converged at the Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from July 24-30 for the 70^th Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh Airshow.

Old warbirds, modern fighter jets and commercial aircraft were featured, but it was N718BA, the Boeing Dreamlifter – one of the world’s largest cargo airplanes – that stole the show.

747 Fleet Captain Tom Vize, 747 Captain David Telshaw and 747 First Officer Vanessa Riveiro brought the Dreamlifter in on Sunday, July 23^rd from Wichita. The airplane was on display at Boeing Plaza, right at the heart of the grounds, for three days.

Beginning in 1953, EAA AirVenture has grown from a small aviator gathering to what is now known as one of the world’s greatest aviation celebrations.

(L-R) First Officer Vanessa Riveiro, Captain David Telshaw and Captain Tom Vize snap a selfie from the cockpit.

“It was an amazing experience to share our passion with hundreds of thousands of other aviation enthusiasts!” said Tom. “Captain David Telshaw and First Officer Vanessa Riveiro offered invaluable support as we answered questions about the Boeing Dreamlifter from the thousands of interested fans. As always, I was proud to represent Atlas.”

Fun fact! Just before the start of the airshow, Atlas marked the 13th anniversary of its first Dreamlifter flight on July 20. The Boeing Dreamlifter, also known as the Large Cargo Freighter, is truly one of a kind, with three times the capacity of a 747-400 Freighter and an enlarged fuselage and swinging tail that allows the airplane to carry 787 Dreamliner major subassemblies across three continents!

Check out more photos from the show below!

: The Dreamlifter, front and center at the airshow.

: Thousands of women and young girls came out to WomenVenture at EAA AirVenture to honor the 30th anniversary of women flying in combat, celebrate female aviators of the past and inspire the girls who will be the future of flight.

: The Dreamlifter landing at the Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) for the airshow.

: The Dreamlifter crew, Captain Tom Vize (far left), First Officer Vanessa Riveiro (middle) and Captain David Telshaw (far right) with members of the EAA AirVenture 2023 GirlVenture Camp. The GirlVenture program, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is a four-day immersive aviation and aerospace experience for young women, 9th-12th grades, designed to introduce them to aviation and aerospace careers. There were 100 participants and 26 mentors involved in this year’s program.

: Captain Tom Vize greets fans from the escape hatch of the Dreamlifter.

: Atlas Air 767 Captain Aileen Watkins (left) with her two children and the Dreamlifter crew. Said Aileen about the event, “One of the coolest parts of AirVenture is seeing friends old and new… it’s like walking through my aviation life every year, covering over 40 years of relationships with those who share my passion. It was an incredible opportunity for the public to see the Dreamlifter and to share that experience with our families.”

: (L-R) First Officer Vanessa Riveiro, Captain Tom Vize and Captain David Telshaw.

: (L-R) Captain Tom Vize, 767 Captain Aileen Watkins (Aileen was previously an Atlas Air 747/Dreamlifter Captain) and First Officer Vanessa Riveiro.

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Atlas-operated Boeing Dreamlifter Steals the Show at AirVenture 2023