EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. – (Dec. 10, 2009) – Hundreds
of aviation enthusiasts from Australia and New Zealand will be making a
joint pilgrimage next July, landing in a 747 jetliner at EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh 2010, "The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration," in a group
trip dubbed the "Oshkosh Express." AirVenture 2010, the 58th annual EAA
fly-in convention, will take place July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional
Airport in Oshkosh.
The Oshkosh Express charter flights from "Down Under" first took
place more than 20 years ago, but the 2010 charter is the first in a 747
since 1998. Several hundred EAA members from that region of the globe
are making the long journey from their home countries to participate in
what is commonly known as "aviation’s family reunion."
"The enthusiasm of those who were a part of past Oshkosh Express
journeys made their arrival a highlight of the year at Oshkosh," said
Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "The ability to
have such charter flights also shows the draw EAA AirVenture and Oshkosh
are for people around the world. We welcome them and everyone with a
passion for flight to join us this summer along the flight line."
The Oshkosh Express group will travel from Sydney, Australia to
Auckland, New Zealand, then on to Los Angeles before landing at
AirVenture. They are expected to arrive at Oshkosh on opening day –
Monday, July 26 – in an Air New Zealand 747. They will stay throughout
the week, and many of those visitors will also extend their visits to
the U.S. following AirVenture.
The Oshkosh Express is organized by Avtours Australia, which
organizes charters for aviation groups throughout the year. More
information about this year’s Oshkosh trip can be found at the company’s
website at www.avtours.com.au.
"A trip to Oshkosh is a dream for anyone who loves airplanes and
flying," said Bob Phillips of Avtours Australia. "For many people
joining us, it will be a once-in-lifetime trip, made even more special
by enjoying it with a group of like-minded people from home. Oshkosh is
famed for its hospitality and we’re very excited to be part of the event
in 2010!"
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation
Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA
AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase,
is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest
prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its
programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.
Immediate news is available at http://twitter.com/EAAupdate.
