The City of Perth is working alongside the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in planning a spectacular air show program for 2020.

“Since the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report on the fatal plane crash in 2017 is reaching its final stages, the City of Perth Skyworks Consortium has supported the decision to reintroduce the air show,” City of Perth General Manager Community Development Anne Banks-McAllister said.

“The ATSB report has reached the final external review stage and the City of Perth will provide feedback by mid-October. In the meantime, the City will continue to work with CASA to plan the re-introduction of the air show for Skyworks 2020.”

The City will also approach the Royal Australian Air Force and Department of Fire and Emergency Services aerial fleet to participate in the program.

“We are still in the planning stages for the air show. However, visitors to the City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks can expect to see an entertaining aviation spectacular featuring impressive helicopters and planes,” Ms Banks-McAllister said.

“Elements of the air show will continue to feature a crowd favourite – the helicopter towing a 60 metre Aussie flag.”

In 2020, there will be no float or sea planes flying or landing on the Swan River.

Following a comprehensive procurement process, well-known Australian aviation professional and pilot, Glyn Butchard has been appointed to coordinate the air show.

“With experience in safety and aviation services, he is highly reputable in the aviation industry,” Ms Banks-McAllister said.

Mr Butchard has experience in planning and delivering all aviation-related operations for the largest aviation event in the Southern Hemisphere – the Australian International Airshow and Defence & Aerospace Exposition. Here, he drove an improved culture of safety, equity, responsibility and accountability. 

The City of Perth will also continue to work very closely with CASA to ensure any improved safety processes are implemented within the air show program.

On 26 January 2020, the City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks Air Show will begin at 3.30pm and conclude just before the fireworks light up the sky at 8pm.

Issued by: Brooke Hunter, Strategic Communications Advisor, 0448 610 834, brooke.hunter@cityofperth.wa.gov.au