WINGS OVER ILLAWARRA 2015 TAKING OFF IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PAUL BENNET AIRSHOWS
April 13, 2015
2015 is shaping up as the best Wings Over Illawarra air show yet, thanks largely to a strategic partnership with Paul Bennet Airshows.
The partnership agreement, established between Wings Over Illawarra organisers Bright Events and Paul Bennet Airshows in late 2014, helped ensure the popular Shellharbour air show could return for in 2015 after disastrous weather marred the 2014 event.
Unprecedented and unseasonal weather on 4 May 2014 saw winds of up to 100km/h ground almost all flying displays – disappointing attendees, participants and organisers alike.
Wings Over Illawarra Coordinator Mark Bright of Bright Events says the strategic partnership with Paul Bennet Airshows was crucial to the seven year-old air show recovering from the extreme weather of 2014 and returning for an eighth year and beyond.
“Last year’s extreme weather didn’t just affect the 2014 air show, the associated financial impact put the whole future of the event in jeopardy.
“Fortunately Australia’s leading air show display company and long-time Wings Over Illawarra supporter Paul Bennet Airshows was willing to partner with us and help secure the future of this event.
“Paul’s love of aviation and his commitment to the industry goes well beyond his extraordinary piloting skills.
“We are both honoured and grateful to have Paul Bennet Airshows as a strategic partner for Wings Over Illawarra,” Mr Bright said.
Paul Bennet said he was only too pleased to back Bright Events for Wings Over Illawarra 2015.
“I had no hesitation in stepping forward and becoming a strategic partner in this magnificent event.
“I believe air shows are important events for Australia’s aviation industry and Wings Over Illawarra is the only major annual air show held within easy reach of both Sydney and Canberra.
“Wings Over Illawarra is Sydney’s air show and has a tremendous future, beginning with its two day format in 2015 followed by the planned addition of an aviation industry expo in 2016 and beyond.
“I’m very proud that Paul Bennet Airshows can be a part of helping Wings Over Illawarra realise its enormous potential to become a major event on NSW’s and Australia’s aviation and tourism calendars,” Mr Bennet said.
Paul Bennet Airshows is recognised nationally and internationally as a leading air show performance company. It operates three specialist aerobatic aircraft, nine vintage warbirds and presents the highly acclaimed Sky Aces aerobatic display team.
Company founder Paul Bennet is an experienced and award-wining air show pilot, having performed in air shows since 2005 and previously been crowned as Queensland, Victorian and Australian Unlimited Aerobatic Champion.
Paul Bennet Airshows stands alongside Destination NSW as a strategic partner for Wings Over Illawarra 2015.
Both organisations have made substantial commitments of financial and practical support that have made it possible for Bright Events to stage Wings Over Illawarra 2015.
They are joined by Wings Over Illawarra 2015 major sponsors Shell Aviation and Canon.
As well as being a strategic partner, Paul Bennet Airshows will be a headline act at this year’s show. Paul will be performing in his world exclusive Wolf Pitts Pro aerobatic aircraft with the Sky Aces Aerobatic Team and with his T28 Trojan, Grumman Avenger and Wirraway warbirds.
Wings Over Illawarra will be held at Illawarra Regional Airport in Albion Park near Wollongong, on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May 2015. Visit www.wingsoverillawarra.com.au for tickets and more information.
For more information on Paul Bennet Airshows, visit the website at www.paulbennetairshows.com.au or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/airshows