Aviation enthusiasts across the Illawarra region have reason to celebrate as details about the much-anticipated return of Wings Over Illawarra will be officially announced next week. The popular airshow, which faced uncertainty earlier this year, appears to be back on track with new operators taking over the event.
Preview Performance and Official Announcement
Residents living near Shellharbour Airport will be treated to a special preview performance next Tuesday when Australian aerobatic pilot Paul Bennet takes to the skies. This aerial display will serve as a precursor to the formal announcement that will reveal specific dates and comprehensive details about the revitalised airshow.
The upcoming revelation marks a significant turnaround for the event, which had been placed in jeopardy back in July when previous operators AMDA Foundation unexpectedly withdrew from their commitment.
From Uncertainty to Renewed Hope
The airshow's future was thrown into doubt less than eight months before its scheduled March event date when AMDA Foundation announced they were pulling out of the ten-year license agreement to operate the show. The foundation had taken over operations in 2023 and subsequently rebranded the event from Wings Over Illawarra to Airshows Downunder - Shellharbour.
At the time of their departure, Justin Giddings, CEO of AMDA Foundation, explained the decision, stating that staging a major airshow required substantial operational planning and resources. He expressed confidence that a new operator with existing regional presence would deliver a superior product for aviation fans.
Community and Council Support
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer has been vocal about his hopes for the event's continuation. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the legacy established by previous organiser Mark Bright, who successfully ran Wings Over Illawarra for approximately fifteen years.
Mayor Homer noted that active discussions were underway with prospective new organisers to ensure the event's solid future. His comments reflected the community's affection for the airshow and the widespread desire to see it continue as a beloved regional tradition.
The return to the original Wings Over Illawarra name signals a recognition of the event's established brand and the community's connection to its history. Aviation fans and Illawarra residents alike now await next week's announcement with anticipation, hopeful that the region's skies will once again host spectacular aerial displays in the coming year.
