The attendance figures for the 2017 Australian International Airshow at Avalon in February-March have easily broken all previous crowd records, according to the organisers.
A total of 210,664 people went through the gate over the six days, easily eclipsing the 2001 record by 9000.
Of those, 176,742 came on the general public days, with the industry-only days bringing 33,992 to the exposition and air show, itself a record.
Airshow CEO Ian Honnery said total crowd numbers were up more than 20% on the 2015 event.
"There were many factors that contributed to this outstanding result," he said. "We were blessed with perfect weather and had a great array of aircraft including the Joint Strike Fighter which was making its Australian debut.
"I thank our patrons, exhibitors and stakeholders for contributing to this brilliant outcome."
The event also attracted 158 Australian and foreign delegations; 79 domestic and 79 international (from 45 countries).
Total aircraft attendances were 634 of which 328 were participating aircraft on display. There were 108 military aircraft taking part from eight nations. Of these, 61 were from the Royal Australian Air Force and 12 from the United States Air Force.
"We have established ourselves as the premier aviation, aerospace and defence trade event in Australia and the Asia Indo-Pacific region," Honnery said.
"As such we have become an important driver of Australia's aerospace and defence sector.
"The support of the Royal Australian Air Force, the State Government of Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong is vital to our ongoing success," Honnery said. "They play a key role and without them the Airshow would not exist."
Some Numbers
- Total Attendance: 210,664
- Trade Days Attendance: 33,992
- Public Days Attendance: 176,742
- Exhibitors: 664
- Estimated Business Value: $24 billion
- Aircraft: 634
- RAAF aircraft: 61
- USAF aircraft: 12
- Accredited Media: 367