International airshow returns to Hosea Kutako
Capital Sounds’ director Brian Emmenis during the launch of the Trustco Namibia International Air Show 2015 in the legendary Douglas DC6. Emmenis will preside over the show with his usual sharp commentary. (Photograph by Musa Carter)
Having been approved by the Cabinet earlier this year, the Namibia International Air Show is set to attract and boost the aviation tourism sector and will be branded under the name of the Trustco Namibia International Air Show as announced at the launch on Tuesday at Eros Airport.
The show’s main sponsor will be Trustco Group Holdings and Trustco Air Services who forked out N$1 million as their commitment. The total budget for the event is expected to hover around N$4 million.
At the launch, it was explained that the venue, the Hosea Kutako International Airport, offers the advantage of almost limitless space for the land-based activities and provides an unique opportunity for corporates and exhibitors to fully participate in this rare event.
According to the association, an estimated 10,000 people are expected to attend and it is envisaged that this may become a bi-annual event. Capital Sounds’ owner, Brian Emmenis is set to preside over the show, with his usual sharp commentary.
The president of AOPA, Reinhard Gärtner at the launch said, “the event is an attempt by the Namibian aviation community to showcase to the region and the world that Namibia is not only an investment friendly destination, but also one that welcomes visiting aviators.”
Managing Director of Trustco Group Holdings Limited, Quinton van Rooyen, said “Trustco is pleased to allocate N$1 million to support and ensure the facilitation of an epic event which will showcase Namibia on the world stage. This event will also expose the youth and entrepreneurs to a host of careers in the aviation industry and related alternative careers such as air traffic controllers, aircraft engineers, aircraft electricians, flight dispatchers, air freight agents, export agents etc.”
Trustco and AOPA, in collaboration with the Directorate of Civil Aviation, will embark on a concerted effort to make it possible for a large number of school children that could otherwise not afford the entrance fee, to attend the event free of charge.
It is envisioned that the 2000 children from a myriad of backgrounds and locations across Namibia will be inspired to new heights of achievement as they experience the opportunity to attend an airshow of this magnitude and calibre. According to the association the show is expected to have a spectacular line-up, as top flying pilots like Nigel Hopkins are set to display their talents. The Botswana and South Africa aviation industry have shown interest in participating in the event. The last airshow in the country was in 1995, at the Eros Airport at which 10,000 spectators descended on the airport for the event.
