Entebbe International Airport to Host Annual East African Airshow 2023

Entebbe International Airport to Host Annual East African Airshow 2023 as East African Carriers takes flight celebrating aviation excellence and tourism splendour.

According to the organisers; Aviator Africa, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Airspace Africa and MK movement, the skies are set to ignite with passion and excitement as the East African Airshow takes centre stage from the 5th to the 7th of December 2024.

The eagerly awaited event promises a spectacular showcase of aviation prowess, innovative technologies, and the seamless integration of aviation and tourism, all against the stunning backdrop of Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes.

The East African Airshow is poised to be a hallmark event that brings together aviation aficionados, industry experts, government representatives, and tourism enthusiasts from across East Africa and beyond. This unique extravaganza aims to redefine the possibilities of aviation and inspire the next generation of leaders in both the aviation and tourism sectors. Innovative Air Displays and More

The event’s dynamic lineup includes thrilling aerial displays featuring cutting-edge aircraft, awe-inspiring aerobatics, and breathtaking formations that will leave attendees in awe. Beyond the skies, the airshow boasts a rich tapestry of offerings, including a comprehensive business conference, interactive exhibitions, a career expo, and a glamorous aviation and tourism awards gala dinner.

In a document issued by the organizer on Monday afternoon, the East African Airshow is not just an event; it’s a nexus for collaboration and partnership whose intention is to provide a platform for aviation and tourism professionals to engage in meaningful discussions, explore innovative solutions, and forge connections that will drive the industries forward.

It is also aimed at promoting tourism and aviation synergies by highlighting the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wildlife wonders of East Africa, the airshow aims to inspire attendees to not only appreciate the skies but also explore the vibrant tourism offerings of the region. This convergence creates an immersive experience that extends beyond the event itself.

The Airshow’s impact extends far beyond its event dates with a dedicated focus on youth engagement and career development, the airshow is committed to nurturing the next generation of aviation and tourism leaders.

By showcasing the limitless potential of these sectors, the event aims to spark aspirations and dreams that will shape the trajectory of East Africa’s growth. Part of the event’s CSR initiative will be a raffle for the public to win flights and aviation scholarships an initiative by MK Movement.

An airshow

Meanwhile, an airshow or airfare or air tattoo is a public event where aircraft are exhibited. They often include aerobatics demonstrations, and they are called “static air shows” with aircraft parked on the ground.

Most air shows feature warbirds, aerobatics, and demonstrations of modern military aircraft, and many air shows offer a variety of other aeronautical attractions as well, such as wing-walking, radio-controlled aircraft, water/slurry drops from firefighting aircraft, simulated helicopter rescues and skydiving.

The first public international airshow, at which many types of aircraft were displayed and flown, was the Grande Semaine d’Aviation de la Champagne, held Aug. 22–29, 1909 in Reims. This had been preceded by what may have been the first-ever gathering of enthusiasts, June 28 – July 19 of the same year at the airfield at La Brayelle, near Douai.

In East Africa, the first airshow is believed to have taken place in Kenya in 1933. It was organized by the Nairobi Flying Club and was held at the Nairobi Airport, which is now known as Wilson Airport.

It featured various flying displays and aerobatics, marking the beginning of aviation events in the region. Since then, airshows and aviation events have become popular in East Africa, showcasing the growth and development of aviation in the region.

While in Uganda, the first airshow is believed to have taken place in 1935 and it was organized by the East African Airways Corporation and held at the Old Entebbe Airport, which is now known as Entebbe International Airport.

The event featured various aviation displays and aerobatics, similar to other early airshows in East Africa. And since then Entebbe historically became an important aviation hub in the region, and this airshow marked one of the early aviation events in Uganda’s history.