The Royal New Zealand Air Force and other visiting military will not be attending the event, due to circumstances outside the event organiser's control.
General Manager Ed Taylor says the announcement of the US Air Forces’ F-22 Raptor team leaving the show was disappointing. The DC-3 Spirit of Douglas won't be attending either due to mechanical issues that can't be fixed before the show.
“We can never guarantee any aircraft will be at the airshow as there are many reasons they have to pull out - especially the military which may be required elsewhere at short notice as has been the case in the past,” says Taylor.
Despite this, Taylor says “this is going to be a huge airshow with up to 100 display aircraft and around 70 of them flying.” Saturday and Sunday are both sold out with tickets only remaining for Friday.
“The great thing is we still have some amazing aircraft coming and will be delivering a full programme. The beautiful Mk. XI Spitfire arrived in Wanaka today from the UK and work has started on putting that together. We have the stunning American Eagles jet display team and the debut of the Southern Force Pitts Special Aerobatic display team and so much more,” says Ed.
The airshow is one of the biggest events in the South Island and contributes $40 million to the Central Otago regional economy biennially.
“We are determined to have another very successful airshow as we know there are many local businesses and individuals who are relying on us to deliver once again,” says Taylor.
Good Friday's free lakeside community event will still be taking place from 5pm.
