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Aviation History
1999
1999 - 0257.PDF
Eurofighter is being promoted as a candidate to replace the RAAF's F/A-18 Hornets the C-13 OJ and A 310 could meet. It is unlikely to be linked to requirements for a medium-haul VIP/troop transport now under study as a separate project because of time imperatives, and that is now a contest between 737 and A310 derivatives. Separately, the ADF needs a small fleet of three transcontinental-capability corporate jets to replace its five Dassault Falcon 900s. It may also be looking for a jet or turboprop with a "one-stop" transcontinental capability, but equally able to handle remote airfields of lesser capacity. Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, and Gulfstream will be strongly represented. Early signs that some Asian economies are beginning to stabilise suggest that corporate transport is likely once again to appear on Asian shopping lists. Triumphant after winning the RAAF trainer contest with its Hawk, British Aerospace is expected to display the aircraft aggressively at Avalon. BAe is eager to make it the showcase for Asian air forces likely to be in the market for similar advanced trainers. The ADF's requirement to replace its de Havilland Caribou light tactical transport fleet is another current contest. Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems is pushing its C-27J in contest with Spanish manufacturer CASA's C295 (IPTN's Indonesian variant hav ing dropped out of the contest). The preferred bidder is expected to be announced soon after Avalon. Australia's fast-developing airline and mili tary pilot-training industry already holding major contracts and expecting soon to announce more, will also be using Avalon as a showcase, as will the country's diversified aero space support industries. Considerable focus will be placed on the coming contests for mod ernised air traffic control systems and related services. Competition will also be the theme in airline and general aviation aircraft sales. Pivotal re- equipment decisions by both major Australian airlines, Qantas and Ansett Australia, have been deferred, despite recent announcements. Even if further fleet decisions are not announced during the show, it is certainly like ly to become a marketing arena, watched with interest by the region's carriers. Ansett Australia is at an advanced stage of reviewing its fleet requirements, with expected changes being a longer-term choice of type, for Asian and other regional routes. The carrier has been reviewing the Boeing 767,777, and Airbus A3 30 variants for those roles. Ansett regional carrier Kendell Airlines' recent selection of 12 Bombardier Canadair Regional Jets, and Embraer's sale of two ERJ-145s to Adelaide-based National Jet Systems, keeps vigorous competition alive in the regional jet market. The market is expected to grow in coming years in Australia and New Zealand, under pressure from mainline overhead costs, hub congestion and competition in regional/route development markets. Opportunities should emerge to replace or enhance the large region al fleets of Saab 340, EMB-120 Brasilia, Dash 8 and BAe 146 variants. Considering Australia's long distances and thin routes, more routes will eventually be served by 50 to 70-seat jets. The country's vigorous general aviation sec tor will exhibit a large number of Australian designs, few of which have reached full-scale production. Avalon, unlike most major airshows, places high emphasis on attracting the general public, because the country's low population base can not support both separate industry-focused and public-spectacle air shows. The not-for-profit AirShows Down Under organisation relies partly on volunteers and has a budget of only A$9.5 million ($6 million). AirShows has increased available display space by 10%. The main building will be wider and higher, allowing exhibitors to stage taller dis plays. All the roads within the site are now sealed, and the popular on-site camping facili ties for visiting pilots have been updated and expanded. All available chalets were booked in early November, and road access to these has also been improved. • SCHEDULE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY DAYS 16-19 February inclusive. Gates open from 08.00 to 18.00. NIGHT ALIGHTDISPLAY-(open to public) Friday evening, 19 February. Gates open from 18.00-22.30. Flying displays from 18.00-22.00. (Aerospace expo not open at night) PUBLIC DAYS (FLYING DAYS) 20 to 21 February. Gates open from 08.00-18.00. Flying displays from 22.00. SHOW ACCESS P UBLIC TRANSPORT: • Train services from Melbourne's Spencer Street station to Lara station, with connecting coaches to show sites • By car, about 40 minutes from Melbourne's Westgate Bridge; from Geelong, about 15 minutes on the Princes Freeway to Melbourne. Airshow signs approaching freeway exits. Parking is free and space is available for about 50,000 cars. FLYING IN AND ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION Avalon has provided a nearby grass airstrip and camping facilities outside the aerodrome control zone, increasing the size of the camping facility in antici pation of even bigger attendance. Food outlets, entertainment and all normal camping facilities available. TICKETS I Standard admission AS25.00; child $10.00. A range of bargain packages available. FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 10 - 16 February 1999 33
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