Throughout the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, AMDA Foundation Limited, organiser of Australia's International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (Avalon), has monitored the evolving situation and its potential effects on Avalon 2021, which has a central role to play in the celebration of the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force next year.

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. As a result, Avalon 2021, originally scheduled for 23-28 February, will be deferred to 23-28 November 2021.

This deferral is designed to provide certainty for partners, stakeholders, exhibitors and participants. It will also enable the 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.

AMDA CEO, Mr Ian Honnery says: “As the centrepiece of the Royal Australian Air Force’s centenary celebrations, Avalon 2021 will have great national and international significance. 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.”

Strongly supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, the biennial Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition is Australia’s own signature international aviation, aerospace and defence event. Organised by AMDA Foundation Limited, it is a premium international platform for engagement between industry, defence, government and academia and is universally regarded as one of the world’s great air shows.

Honnery adds: “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.”