The Victorian Government has secured the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport until 2025, Aviation Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips announced today.
“With the current agreement set to expire in 2015, we have negotiated a new deal to ensure the air show stays at Avalon for at least another decade,” he said.
“This new agreement underpins hundreds of Victorian jobs and millions of dollars worth of economic activity.
“An economic analysis of the 2011 air show found it contributed $150 million to the state’s economy and supported 1700 full-time jobs.
Avalon has become a highlight of Victoria’s major events calendar, with almost 195,000 people visiting the 2011 show, drawing crowds from interstate and overseas.
Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Minister Richard Dalla-Riva said the event was a great opportunity to promote Victoria’s world-class aerospace, aviation and defence industries.
“The air show is one of the most highly-regarded aerospace, aviation, defence trade and networking events in the Asia-Pacific region and showcases the depth of the Victorian defence and aerospace sector – which employs almost 6000 people in this state – to international buyers.” he said.
“The Coalition Government will continue to promote Victoria’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, excellent infrastructure and highly skilled workforce to reinforce our reputation as the leading state for aerospace, aviation and defence activities.”