Throughout the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, AMDA Foundation Limited has monitored the evolving situation and its potential effects on the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (AVALON 2021) which, next year, has a uniquely central role to play in the celebration of the Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force.
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 later in 2021, with timings in November being considered. Precise dates will be announced shortly.
This deferral will provide certainty for partners, stakeholders, exhibitors and participants. It will also enable 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.
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 (AVALON) 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 universally regarded as one of the world's great air shows. AVALON 2021 will Take Australia to the World, by Bringing the World to Australia.
As a consequence of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, all three major international defence-related events conducted by AMDA, with support from the Australian Defence Force, have been rescheduled in the national interest. As well as AVALON 2021, the deferral of LAND FORCES has been announced and an announcement with respect to the timing of the next PACIFIC International Maritime Exposition will be made shortly.
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.