The AMDA Foundation Limited has confirmed the cancellation of Avalon 2021, the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition.

The pandemic has already required AMDA's Avalon organising team to work through many past challenges in respect of the 2021 event, including postponement from its original planned dates. However, recent developments as a consequence of the COVID-19 Delta strain have highlighted that the environment has become more unpredictable.

Delivering such a complex event in these challenging circumstances would involve risks of uncertainty for attendees, participants, industry and the Australian public. Therefore, in order to minimise uncertainty and disruption to attendees and participants, the difficult decision has been taken now that Avalon 2021 will not go ahead.

It is disappointing for the AMDA Foundation team, its stakeholders, exhibitors, participants and patrons that this signature industry trade show and public entertainment spectacular will not proceed. But public health and safety must be paramount and responsible levels of certainty must be achieved for all involved in or attending such a multi-faceted major event.

As the most comprehensive aviation, aerospace and defence exposition in the southern hemisphere, the biennial Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition at Avalon is a key platform for the development of Australian aerospace and defence industry and for the promotion of civil and defence aviation.

Staged with major participation from the Royal Australian Air Force and substantial support from the Victorian Government, it is one of the largest events of its kind internationally, attracting exhibitors, participants and visitors from around the world.

While Avalon cannot proceed in 2021, AMDA is now embarking on planning and preparation for Avalon 2023, which will be held from 28 February to 5 March 2023.

With the expected transition to post-COVID normality, Avalon 2023 will return to international prominence as one of the world’s great air shows. Showcasing the colour, spectacle and excitement of aviation, and the industrial and technological potential of aerospace, defence and space as national strategic capabilities, Avalon 2023 says it will again take Australia to the world by bringing the world to Australia.