After a press flight with the Red Bull DC-6B to Zeltweg, accompanied by a fleet of Eurofighters and a C-130, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner presented the concept of Airpower 2022 at a press conference at the Red Bull Ring on Monday morning. Airpower 2022. There will be an extensive program on the ground and in the air on 2 and 3 September 2022, with a total of 200 civil and military aircraft from 20 nations on display.
In addition to a military exhibition at the airfield, there will also be demonstrations by the Austrian Air Force and international military aerobatic teams and participants from the civil aviation sector. There will also be a kind of showcase for Austrian companies that conduct research and production in the aerospace sector. According to Gerfried Promberger, Commander of Directorate 2 – Air Force, invitations to the event will be sent to a total of 30 air chiefs from European and non-European air forces in the coming week. Promberger regrets the scheduling conflict with the Czech International Air Fest (CIAF), which is planned for September 3-4, 2022. However, he does not expect this to have a major impact on the number of participating countries. “Airpower is much bigger and more popular.”
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “Visitors will be able to get a first-hand impression of what our air forces are capable of. In the preparations and at the event itself, we will pay particular attention to sustainability right from the planning stage and consider and implement the aspects of climate protection, environmental protection, sustainability and resource conservation in the organization. I know that together we will put on a great event that will inspire thousands of people. This is only possible as a team.” Barbara Eibinger-Miedl, Provincial Councillor for Economy, Tourism, Regions, Science and Research on the event: “Airpower is a strong sign of new beginnings with positive effects for the economy and tourism in the region. It is another piece in the mosaic that shows Styria as a region of competence for aerospace. 80 companies with around 3,000 employees generate a turnover of 750 million euros in the aviation industry. Climate protection and major events can go hand in hand – we need both. According to Joanneum Research, around 14 percent of CO2 emissions can already be saved compared to the last Airpower – we could even be climate-neutral by 2040.” This is already the tenth Airpower and it is one of the largest air shows in Europe, with around 300,000 visitors expected over the two days of the event. The costs of the event are shared equally by the Austrian Armed Forces and its partners, the Province of Styria and Red Bull. The special training value that Airpower offers the Austrian Armed Forces would otherwise have to be covered by its own cost-intensive exercises. The expenditure largely benefits the region.
Johannes Schwarz, Member of Parliament: “Airpower 2 is a strong sign of confidence: Austria is optimistic about the future – and so is our entire event and cultural sector. After all, Airpower has become the second largest event in Austria in its almost 25 years. The event creates an added value of 7.70 for every euro we invest in Styria. And – what is primarily in focus for me: it creates and secures jobs in the region, not only in tourism, but also in the entire leisure industry.” Alexander Steyrer, Head of Marketing at Red Bull Austria: “We are really looking forward to this event and the partnership. Airpower is of particular importance, it is a living partnership with the Austrian Armed Forces and the province of Styria. This cooperation has led to the continuous development of Airpower and has inspired many people in Austria and beyond. We are contributing our marketing and communications expertise and are ensuring a world premiere at Airpower 2022 – the “Red Bull Aerobatic Triple”. For the first time, three elements – helicopter, airplane and skydiver – will take to the air together for a choreography that could hardly be more different. The show will feature action-packed maneuvers that are only possible with the utmost precision and perfect timing. Red Bull Air Race pilot Dario Costa with the Zivko Edge 540, Flying Bulls pilot Mirko Flaim with the BO105 C helicopter, the Red Bull Skydive Team and the HSV Red Bull Salzburg skydivers have trained and refined their choreography down to the smallest detail over the past few years in order to be able to offer fans this European premiere at Airpower. “Airpower is always a unique experience for all of us,” enthuses skydiver Marco Waltenspiel. “When the canopy is open and you no longer have the speed, you can hear the people. It’s amazing, a really cool event. And we’re going to offer you a unique show again this year. You’ve never seen anything like it!”
The homepage of the Airpower with all further information is online since today: www.airpower.gv.at
