Airshow roars to life at Avalon

THE Australian International Airshow & Aerospace and Defence Exposition has taken off after a four-year COVID-enforced absence, and the event’s return is being hailed as its largest ever.

Exhibition space at Avalon Airport has sold out for the first time in the biennial event’s 30-year history.

The industry-only expo began at Avalon 2023 on Tuesday this week, with the event hosting 798 participating exhibitor companies (14 per cent more than in 2019), and 234 industry, government, defence and scientific delegations (nearly 50 per cent more than in 2019).

The F-35A Lightning II is the most advanced aircraft in the RAAF’s arsenal. Photo: JAMES TAYLOR

More than 40 nations are represented at the airshow and expo, which combines an international industry exhibition with a program of nearly 60 conferences covering aspects of aviation, aerospace, space and defence.

The old and the new – a World War II-era P-51 Mustang in formation with a fifth-generation F-35A. Photo: JAMES TAYLOR

From today (Friday, March 3) until Sunday, March 5, Avalon 2023 becomes Australia’s largest public airshow, featuring a program of Australian Defence Force, foreign military and civil aircraft.

These include the Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and Roulettes aerobatic team, the US Air Force Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, and a host of other military and civil performers.

The Paul Bennet Airshows Skyaces will show off some outrageous acrobatics. Photo: JAMES TAYLOR

In a first for Australia, the Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles team will feature on the flying program. This will be the first time the internationally renowned team or its Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle jets has performed their award-winning aerobatic display in this country.

AMDA Foundation organises and runs Avalon 2023, and chief executive officer Justin Giddings said the airshow and expo’s success so far reflected a buoyant Australian industry.

One of the classic warbirds – the Supermarine Spitfire. Photo: JAMES TAYLOR

“Avalon 2023 is a platform for engagement between industry, government, defence and the civil aviation, aerospace and space communities.

“The success of Avalon 2023 reflects a buoyant industry that is looking to the future capability needs of the Australian Defence Force and civil aerospace and space customers.

“Industry is demonstrating that it can fulfil those needs from within Australia, sustaining a sovereign capability that contributes to both the security and national economy of all Australians.

“We welcome both the Australian community and our international visitors to Avalon 2023.

“We look forward to a week that will highlight Australian companies to potential local and overseas customers and partners.”

The MH-60R Seahawk from the RAAF is put through its paces. Photo: JAMES TAYLOR

Speaking at a media preview event last week, Mr Giddings said ticket sales were going extremely well, with corporate hospitality already sold out, and this year’s airshow on track to exceed the previous record.

In firsts for the event in 2023, children 15 years and under can enter free, car parking is free, and there will be two new entrances for the public.

Mr Giddings had good news for those keen to get to Avalon 2023 as soon as possible today, with gates to open at 11.30am instead of 2pm and the air displays brought forward to 1pm; the flying display is just that big on the Friday.

“The Friday night will be fantastic, it’ll have the best fireworks ever.”

For more information and tickets, head to airshow.com.au