On the first weekend in September, the Hinterstoisser air base in Zeltweg will once again be transformed into the pulsating centre of European aviation. Airpower24, one of the most important air shows in Europe, invites you to the largest event of its kind on the continent under the motto "Flying. Freedom. Enthusiasm". The mixture of military exercise, technological showcase and crowd-pleasing show will once again attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Styria this year.
The Austrian Armed Forces, as the main organizer in cooperation with the state of Styria and the sponsor Red Bull, have put together an impressive program after months of preparation. The event, which not only serves as a showcase for the Austrian Air Force, but also as an international meeting place for military aerobatic teams and civil aviation enthusiasts, offers more than just a classic air show. Rather, it is a total experience that ranges from a comprehensive ground show to spectacular demonstrations in the air.
A milestone for the Federal Army and the region
Major General Gerfried Promberger, the person in overall charge of Airpower24, emphasizes the importance of the event for the Federal Army: "Alongside the large-scale Schutzschild exercise in June 24, Airpower2024 is the largest exercise of the year and represents a real deployment for us." Around 3.500 soldiers, including over 2.200 from the land forces and 780 from the militia, are involved in the event. For the troops, Airpower24 not only represents a logistical challenge, but also a high training value.
But the event is also of enormous economic importance for the Styria region. Brigadier Wolfgang Prieler, project manager of Airpower24, emphasizes that the event generates over ten million euros in added value. "The restaurants and accommodation providers in particular benefit from the large number of visitors. The entire district is almost fully booked at the weekend," explains Prieler. The close cooperation with regional suppliers, such as the Murau brewery as the exclusive beer supplier, underlines the efforts to keep the added value in the region.
A program full of highlights
The Airpower24 program is more diverse and extensive than ever before. "According to current planning, a total of 206 aircraft from over 20 nations will be on display at Airpower24," says Display Director Thomas Ploder. Particularly outstanding is the participation of the Austrian Armed Forces with over 40 aircraft and the Flying Bulls with 27 aircraft. In addition, a static display with around 60 aircraft will be presented, allowing aviation enthusiasts to get particularly close to the machines on display.
A special attraction is the flyover of Austrian Airlines' new Dreamliner B787-9 on Saturday. This modern long-haul aircraft, which was recently added to the AUA fleet, is a symbol of progress in civil aviation and will attract many glances.
Another highlight of Airpower24 is the world premiere in the area of sustainability. A unique demonstration will be held under the direction of Leopold Prince of Bavaria and Red Bull Air Race world champion Matthias Dolderer. With a historic BMW 3.0 CSL from 1971 and a Swift TEMCO from 1947, both powered by almost climate-neutral e-fuel, the two players are sending a strong signal for the future of mobility. This demonstration not only connects the past and the future, but also shows that sustainability and high technology can go hand in hand.
Preparations for Airpower24 are going according to plan and everyone involved is looking forward to the coming weekend. Expectations are high, not only among the organizers, but also among the visitors, who can look forward to a show of superlatives. The combination of military precision, civil progress and regional cooperation makes Airpower24 an event that radiates far beyond the borders of Styria.
For Styria and the Murtal region in particular, Airpower24 is an important economic factor and a showcase that underlines the region's performance and innovative strength. During these days, the Hinterstoisser air base will once again become a melting pot of international aviation, where progress and tradition take to the skies together.
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