The numbers from AirVenture

Here's a press release that just arrived from the EAA:


Comment from EAA president Tom Poberezny:

* "The concern was that 2008 would be less than a banner year, because of questions and challenges in areas such as fuel prices and the economy, but it turned out to be an overwhelming week. Each day on the grounds was filled with outstanding activities that made every day at AirVenture a unique event in itself. This year's "Oshkosh" was the shot of enthusiasm, inspiration, and economic boost that aviation needed."

Attendance: Estimated 540,000 - A slight decrease from 2007 and nearly equal to 2006's attendance.

Comment from EAA president Tom Poberezny:

* "This year's attendance held steady for a variety of reasons, including superb weather, the substantial number of outstanding programs, a large number of aviation innovations unveiled at Oshkosh, and the importance of EAA AirVenture to the aviation community. Initial exhibitor response indicates that the majority of exhibitors reported good to record-setting sales."

Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arriving at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin.

Total showplanes: 2,516. That figure includes 972 homebuilt aircraft, 822 vintage airplanes, 404 warbirds, 114 ultralights, 131 seaplanes, 40 aerobatic aircraft and 33 rotorcraft.

Commercial exhibitors: 797 (up slightly over 2007).

International visitors registered: Up nearly 25 percent, with 2,128 visitors registered from 71 nations, with Canada (492 visitors), Australia (299) and Brazil (186) the top three nations. (NOTE: This total includes only non-U.S. visitors who register at the International Visitors Tent, so the actual international contingent is undoubtedly larger.)

Total estimated campers (fly-in and drive-in camping areas): More than 37,000.

Media: 865 media representatives on-site, from five continents.

What's ahead in 2009? Comment from EAA president Tom Poberezny:

* "We are already looking forward to 2009 with the expected attendance of Virgin Galactic's White Knight Two space vehicle, a reunion of participants from Concorde's five visits to Oshkosh over the past 25 years, and a salute to mission aviators who perform humanitarian work around the globe. Visitors in 2009 will also begin to see additional amenities and site upgrades that will make EAA AirVenture 2009 an even better experience and value as The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."

EAA AirVenture 2009: July 27-August 2