The organisers of the Australian International Airshow, AMDA Foundation Limited, has confirmed the cancellation of AVALON 2021, amid increased uncertainty created by the impacts of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Originally planned to have taken place in February, the AVALON 2021 airshow had already been rescheduled to 26-28 November as a result of COVID-19. The pandemic had required the AVALON organising team to work through many challenges in respect of the 2021 event. However, recent developments as a consequence of the COVID-19 Delta strain have highlighted that the environment has become more unpredictable.
“Delivering such a highly complex, hallmark event in these challenging circumstances would involve risks of uncertainty for attendees, participants, industry and the Australian public,” said AMDA Foundation Chief Executive Ian Honnery. “Therefore, in order to minimise uncertainty and disruption to attendees and participants, the difficult decision has been taken now that AIRSHOW 2021 will not go ahead.
“It is deeply disappointing for the AMDA Foundation team, our stakeholders, exhibitors, participants and patrons that this signature industry trade show and public entertainment spectacular will not proceed. But public health and safety must be paramount and responsible levels of certainty must be achieved for all involved in or attending such a complex and multi-faceted major event,” Honnery added.
As the most comprehensive aviation, aerospace and defence exposition in the Southern Hemisphere, the biennial Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition at Avalon Airport is a key platform for the development of Australian aerospace and defence industry and for the promotion of civil and defence aviation. Staged with major participation from the Royal Australian Air Force and substantial support from the Victorian Government, it is one of the largest events of its kind internationally, attracting exhibitors, participants and visitors from around the world.
While the event cannot proceed in 2021, AMDA Foundation is now embarking on planning and preparation for AIRSHOW 2023, which will be held from 28 February to 5 March 2023.
“With the expected transition to post-COVID normalcy, AIRSHOW 2023 will return to international prominence as one of the world’s great air shows,” Honnery remarked. “Showcasing the colour, spectacle and excitement of aviation, and the industrial and technological potential of aerospace, defence and space as national strategic capabilities, AIRSHOW 2023 will again take Australia to the world by bringing the world to Australia. Neither the sky, nor space, will be the limit at AIRSHOW 2023!”