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