Avalon airshow locked in for 2027 return

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest aviation, aerospace and defence exhibition will again take off in Geelong in less than a year.

The Victorian government announced today (Monday 23 March) it had secured the return of the Australian International Airshow to Avalon Airport, with the 2027 edition to take place from 23-28 February.

Running in Victoria since 1992, the biennial event features breathtaking flying displays alongside a major trade exhibition showcasing cutting-edge aviation, aerospace and defence technologies.

The 2025 event generated $240.9 million for Victoria’s economy and attracted record crowds.

Delivered by the AMDA Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force, the event connects Victorian supply-chain businesses with global decision-makers to unlock new commercial opportunities.

“Victoria has been the proud home of the Avalon Australian International Airshow for more than three decades, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Victorian State Government to present the 2027 event,” AMDA Foundation chief executive Justin Giddings said.

““Avalon is an event that brings people together, whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a family looking for an incredible day out, or someone seeing a fast jet fly for the very first time. The energy, the sound, the spectacle, there’s nothing quite like it.

“Avalon 2027 is going to be something special – you won’t want to miss it!”

More than 900 companies exhibited at the trade show, drawing 291 official delegations from 43 nations.

Avalon 2025 also delivered an estimated $31.85 million in direct economic benefits for the Geelong region.

“The Avalon Airshow continues to open doors for Victorian businesses, creating jobs and showcasing the cutting-edge innovation happening right here in our state,” Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Colin Brooks, said.

“Securing the 2027 event reinforces Victoria’s position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and defence industries.”

Last year’s trade show helped connect Victorian businesses with global industry leaders, including Southbank-based Lindo signing a Letter of Intent with aerospace giant Airbus to explore increased collaboration on its disinfectant lighting technology for aircraft.

“Exhibiting at Airshow 2025 with the support of the Victorian government, helped Lido accelerate collaboration opportunities with Airbus,” Lindo Group CEO and founder Robert Gangi said.

Securing the 2027 airshow will further strengthen the Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct as a major regional economic hub.

The Victorian government has backed major investment in the precinct, including Hanwha Defence Australia’s $225 million Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence.

The Victorian government has also supported Avalon Airport to establish a new $8 million dedicated freight handling and processing facility, while the new Route 18 bus service between Lara Station and the Airport is now running.