By Alesha Capone
The Avalon 2021 expo and airshow have been rescheduled to take place a week later than expected, to avoid clashes with planning for the Formula One Grand Prix.
AMDA Foundation Limited, which organises the annual Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition at Avalon, has announced the new date to ensure “that two of the state’s largest and most complex events” will not be held in consecutive weeks.
This year’s Avalon expo and airshow was to be held from November 23 to 28, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced its original February date to be abandoned.
However, AMDA Foundation chief executive Ian Honnery last week said the expo would be held from November 30 to December 5. The airshow, which is open to the public, will be held from December 3 to 5.
Mr Honnery said the decision to reschedule the air event followed consultation with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and a review of “potential logistic confliction” with the Grand Prix, which will be held at Albert Park from November 18 to 21.
Mr Honnery said the foundation was “committed to producing an Avalon 2021 which maximises the event’s contribution to the nation and is positioned to be the world’s premier airshow in 2021”.
He said this year’s Avalon also coincided with the RAAF’s 100th year of service in Australia.
“As the centrepiece of the Royal Australian Air Force’s Centenary celebrations, Avalon 2021 will have great national and international significance,” he said.
The annual Avalon expo and airshow provides a platform for engagement between the aviation and aerospace industries, along with representatives from defence, government and academic backgrounds – plus flying enthusiasts.
This year’s event will feature the latest aviation military equipment from Australia and overseas, including supersonic jet fighters and attack helicopters.
More than 171,830 people attended the 2019 Avalon expo and airshow, with 698 companies taking part.
Details: www.airshow.com.au/airshow2021/index.asp
