Huge crowds flock to Avalon for the airshow each year. Source: Quest Newspapers
VICTORIA will host the Australian International Airshow for at least another decade in a big win for jobs and the aviation sector.
A deal for Avalon to host the biennial event, which about 195,000 people attended in 2011, was due to expire in 2015.
But Aviation Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said the event had now been secured by the Government until 2025, pumping about $150 million a year into the economy.
"This new agreement underpins hundreds of Victorian jobs," Mr Rich-Phillips said.
"An economic analysis of the 2011 airshow found it contributed $150 million to the state's economy and supported 1700 full-time jobs."
This year's airshow begins next week, with a trade exhibition running from February 26 to March 1.
New technology and services in areas such as defence and aerospace design are showcased, with major trade partners invited to the event.
Visitors include high-level delegates from the Asia-Pacific region and from across the international community.
Manufacturing and Trade Minister Richard Dalla-Riva said the event helped promote Victoria's world-class industries.
"The airshow is one of the most highly regarded aerospace, aviation, defence trade and networking events in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.
"(The event) showcases the depth of the Victorian defence and aerospace sector - which employs almost 6000 people in this state - to international buyers."
A major airshow is open to the public on the weekend, including displays from F-18 Hornets and Super Hornets.
Specialist US aircraft are also on show, with the F-22A Raptor one highlight.
This year, in a bid to promote a career in flying, there will be a youth technology precinct for school-aged children.
This includes robotics workshops and displays.
matthew.johnston@news.com.au
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