AMDA Foundation today said they were confident that the Australian International Airshow would go ahead in December as planned.
The viability of the event was brought into focus yesterday when the Victorian government canceled two high-profile public events: the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne and the Australian Moto GP at Phillip Island.
Both were canceled because the government was not prepared to grant concessions to current pandemic laws to enable people to travel to the events from overseas. The chances of the Australian Open tennis going ahead in January have also been questioned.
"The organisers of Avalon 2021 share Australia’s disappointment that the 2021 Formula One Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled through COVID related issues," AMDA Foundation CEO Ian Honnery said today. "We know the dedication and effort required to stage a world class event, particularly in these challenging times, and we commiserate with the Grand Prix organising team.
"However, the COVID challenges of international driver and team quarantine, which ultimately forced cancelation of the Grand Prix, are not issues that will materially affect Avalon 2021
"Avalon 2021 will be first and foremost an event to mark the Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force, and a platform for promotion of the Australian aviation, aerospace, defence and space industries.
"Attendance by overseas visitors, although welcome if COVID border restrictions allow, is not critical to the success of Avalon 2021. Planning for the event has always allowed for the possibility that international border restrictions and travel constraints may result in fewer people attending from overseas than would have happened without the complications created by the pandemic."
Honnery went on to say that AMDA Foundation would guided by advice from public health authorities and would comply with directions from the federal and Victorian governments.
"The preservation of public health will always be our paramount commitment," he said.
The Australian International Airshow is scheduled for Avalon 30 November - 5 December.