Canberra Airport hosts its biggest ever Open Day
More than 30,000 people enjoyed all the attractions and the brand-new location
Canberra Airport’s 2018 Open Day was the biggest ever with more than 15 aircraft and an exhibit featuring an RAAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft. This was the first time an aircraft that large was displayed at Open Day and crowds were anxious to see it—they literally sprinted toward it once the exhibit was open. Additionally, the weather was beautiful, allowing more visitors to share this unique experience. Feedback from guests and across social media platforms showed the event was well received.
“The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights just how much hard work went into planning this year’s event,” said Stephen Byron, Managing Director, Canberra Airport. “We are so pleased with the turnout, the new event location and how smoothly it went. This year’s event was our best.”
2018 marks the first time the event was held on the western side of the airport precinct, allowing for larger event grounds to help this year’s crowds move freely among many exhibits. Exhibitors included local police, Australia’s Border Force and a phenomenal display of planes from both private collectors and commercial airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia. Australia’s number one aviator, Matt Hall, put on several mesmerizing aerial displays that delighted visitors from across the region.
Every year the event grows in popularity and this year’s event was the first time the airport required visitors to have free tickets for entry. Over 35,000 tickets were released in several phases, including some afternoon-only tickets distributed on the day of the event to enthusiastic guests.
“Issuing tickets was a big change this year and it went smoothly, paving the way to ticketing future events, which will allow for better crowd control and more safety for our guests and airport staff,” says Mr. Byron. “I want to recognize the hard work of our team which made this event our best ever. Thank you to everyone who helped the event run smoothly.”
To accommodate increased turnout this year, parking areas at Majura Park were also utilised for the first time and visitors enjoyed free shuttle bus service from City bus station and Russell every 10 minutes which helped to successfully alleviate traffic around the airport.