The Australian International Air Show has been pushed back to November next year in a bid to clear any COVID-19 restrictions look likely to prevent the show going ahead in February as scheduled..
AMDA Foundation Limited, the organisers of Avalon 2021 said today that there was too much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 restrictions to be confident the show could still proceed as planned.
"After extensive consultation and review, it has become clear that the impacts of COVID-19, including lengthy logistical lead times and uncertainty about availability of international travel, would pose unacceptable risks to Avalon 2021, should it continue with its original February dates," AMDA Chief Executive Ian Honnery said today.
"As a result, Avalon 2021, originally scheduled for 23-28 February, will be deferred to later in 2021, with timings in November being considered. Precise dates will be announced shortly.
"This deferral will provide certainty for partners, stakeholders, exhibitors and participants. It will also enable industry to focus on managing through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, knowing that Avalon 2021 in a November timing will confidently contribute to the regeneration of business development following the pandemic."
One of the main features of Avalon 2021 was to be a celebration of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in its centenary year, with the defence force aiming to be a centrepiece of the air show. A November show would still fall within the centenary year, albeit nine months later than originally planned.
"Deferring Avalon 2021 to November will ensure the event serves its purpose as a powerful promotional and industry engagement forum on the way to business recovery and as a spectacular celebration of 100 years of the Royal Australian Air Force," Honnery said.
The postponement will throw out the plans of many aviation and defence companies that had Avalon on their calendar, prompting Honnery to call for patience.
"Thank you for your patience as we work through these changes and we look forward to a November 2021 Avalon, where a century of distinguished service by the Royal Australian Air Force will be the theme, and the focus for the world’s aviation, aerospace and defence industries will be on promoting business for the future," he said.