The Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) and Avalon Airshow organiser AMDA Foundation are to hold a number of regional aviation roadshow events across Australia. The AMDA Foundation will sponsor a number of roadshow events conducted by the RAAA at locations such as Perth, Cairns, Darwin and Toowoomba. The RAAA held two very successful events earlier in 2021 in Mildura and Dubbo before Covid restrictions resulted in the remainder being postponed. The RAAA will also be a sponsor for the Avalon Airshow to be held in Melbourne in March 2023, one of the southern hemisphere's largest aviation events, which will also include a regional aviation showcase.

RAAA CEO Steven Campbell welcomed the deal saying it will be a great collaboration between the RAAA and AMDA to highlight the value of regional aviation in Australia: “Our regional roadshows were introduced to replace our annual convention over the last couple of years due to Covid, but they have proved to be very popular with our members. AMDA has seen the potential with the increase in regional aviation importance in this country, and our membership base is very strong and includes most of Australia's leading aviation companies."

He continues: “Teaming up with AMDA will be a win-win, as the Avalon Airshow will be an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of regional aviation in Australia and its importance to connectivity for regional communities. The RAAA will return to holding a convention in late 2023 and will be working with AMDA on the details over the next few months.”

AMDA and the RAAA have had a valued partnership for a number of years and both organisations will raise the profile of regional aviation and the work of the RAAA. RAAA chairman Malcolm Sharp adds: “AMDA has incredible experience with holding aviation events, and we believe that working together will bring valued synergies for regional aviation. The Avalon Airshow is a major aviation event, and the RAAA is especially honoured to be amongst the sponsors. We look forward to showcasing RAAA members at the next airshow in March 2023.”

AMDA Foundation CEO Ian Honnery said the partnership with the RAAA reflected AMDA's commitment to supporting Australian aviation: “AMDA is actively involved in the promotion of Australia's aviation industry, through our own activities such as the Avalon Airshow and RotorTech Helicopter and Unmanned Flight Exposition, and through support for the activities of organisations such as the RAAA. The RAAA has long been an active and effective voice for Australia's regional operators. AMDA is proud to support the association and the industry as a whole, which plays such an important role in Australia's economy and, just as importantly, in ensuring our regional communities are connected to each other, to fellow Australians and to the world.”