THUNDERS BACK TO LIFE!

Across the weekend of 3-5 March Victoria’s Avalon Airport will ring to the thunder of jets, the clatter and roar of aerobatic and vintage aircraft and a host of family fun, at the 2023 Australian International Airshow (AIRSHOW 2023).

The largest airshow of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, AIRSHOW 2023 will combine a spectacular three-day flying program across 3-5 March, with family entertainment and an insight into Australia’s defence and civil aviation fleets, the industry that sustains them and the careers the sector offers.

AIRSHOW 2023 is a celebration of all things aviation. At Avalon Airport the Royal Australian Air Force’s most sophisticated fast jets such as the F-35 Lightning II and EA-18G Growler will share the tarmac with everything from the world-beating United States Air Force F-22A Raptor to aircraft that were built by their own pilots. From helicopters to business jets, vintage, warbird and classic, AIRSHOW 2023 will be home to around 300 aircraft.

They will be joined by ground displays of the heralds of the next generation, such as an electric training aircraft, a personal flying car, and a company that is already in talks with Australian regional airlines about converting their existing aircraft to electric power.

Crowd favourites such as the Skycats Wing Walkers, electrifying aerobatics from Paul Bennett, Matt Hall and Awesome Aviation and the Super Salto jet glider will wow the crowd alongside the famous Skydive Australia Meteor Men parachutists.

The flying program will kick off from 2.00 pm on Friday with Night Alight, one of the world’s few evening airshows, featuring spectacular flying and fireworks. It will roll into a Saturday and Sunday program highlighting the cream of Royal Australian Air Force, Navy and Army aircraft, plus military visitors from the air forces of the United States, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand.

All three days will feature a showcase of Australian Defence Force aviation. The Royal Australian Navy’s MH-60R “Romeo” helicopter will be joined by Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets, F-35A Lightning IIs, a KC-30 aerial refuelling tanker, the worldleading E-7 Wedgetail airborne warning and control aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon antisubmarine warfare aircraft and C-130J and C-17 transports. With a C-27J Spartan transport aircraft and Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter also on static display and the Roulettes aerobatic team performing for the crowd, they will demonstrate the breadth and depth of Air Force’s capability.

New for 2023, the Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles jet team, flying their supersonic Korean Aerospace Industry T-50 supersonic aircraft, will make their first Australian appearance, after winning display awards at overseas events such as the 2022 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).

The latest highly advanced military aircraft will be joined by those that paved the way, with the Royal Australian Air Force’s historic 100 Squadron aircraft including the iconic English Electric Canberra, Spitfire, Australian built CAC CA-18 version of the P-51 Mustang, Wirraway and Winjeel trainers, the classic Harvard trainer and Ryan STM.

Also new for 2023, the General Aviation and Airsport precinct will include up to 150 private vintage, classic and modern light aircraft, with visitors even being invited to pick up a tool and help build a real plane. More than 30 aviation organisations will display a cross section of aviation activities, including seaplanes, gliding, ballooning, museums and aircraft restoration, women in flight, safety and aviation careers.

But it won’t just be about those magnificent men and women in their flying machines. There will be plenty to see and do at ground level, including classic car displays, drone racing, military dog demonstrations and a host of careers and skills activities, plus a new Kids Zone with fun aviation-related activities in a temperature-controlled facility.

To celebrate its return after a four-year hiatus, AIRSHOW 2023 is offering FREE general admission to anyone aged 15 years and under.

There are ticket categories to accommodate every need: general admission is perfect for those who want to roam the site all day or bring their picnic rug. Gold Pass might be the best choice for people wanting the grandstand view. There are also options for those who want to wine and dine in a luxurious glass-front air-conditioned chalet with gourmet meals and beverages for hours.

For more information visit airshow.com.au For tickets, go to airshow.com.au or Ticketmaster – www.ticketmaster.com.au