AirVenture Attendance Holds

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Key Takeaways:

  • Attendance at EAA AirVenture remained strong, matching last year's numbers despite high fuel prices and economic concerns, which EAA President Tom Poberezny attributed to the show's quality.
  • The event was considered a "shot in the arm" that aviation needed, providing a positive boost to the community.
  • Next year's AirVenture is already planning major attractions, including an exhibition of WhiteKnightTwo (and possibly SpaceShipTwo), a Concorde flight crew reunion, and a celebration of mission aviation.
  • The EAA will also invest $3.2 million in grounds improvements, specifically focusing on enhancing camping amenities.
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Attendance at this year’s EAA AirVenture was “on par with last year,” EAA President Tom Poberezny said Sunday. He said that at the start of the show the expectation was that high fuel prices and the generally poor economy would sap attendance but the numbers have held and he credits the quality of the show itself. ” I think it’s been the shot in the arm that aviation has needed,” he said. He said three major events, including the exhibition of WhiteKnightTwo and possibly SpaceShipTwo, have already been set for next year.

There will also be a reunion of Concorde flight crews and a celebration of mission aviation. Work will begin on $3.2 million in improvements to the grounds, focusing mainly on improving the camping amenities.

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