Out of the murk

Downturn, poor weather fail to dampen Avalon spirits

Despite the variable Avalon weather and the looming shadow cast by the deepening global recession, the 2009 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition was still a bright return on the global aviation radar screen for the many exhibitors, trade and public visitors who attended the show from March 10 to 15.

The week started with a slow ramp up, with many delegates and exhibitors possibly still travelling, or perhaps getting over or still attending one of the many conferences associated with the air show in nearby Melbourne. Anecdotally, most of the exhibitors Australian Aviation spoke with agreed that numbers appeared to be down on the Tuesday and on Wednesday morning on previous years, although the quality of trade visitors appeared to be high. But Wednesday afternoon and Thursday appeared to be as busy as ever.