The term DownUnder is certainly not perceived as a derogatory description by the Australian aerospace industry, which highlights its strategic proximity to the fast-growing markets of the Asia-Pacific region.
The country's aerospace showcase, the fourth Australian International Air Show and Aerospace Expo, to be held from 18-23 February 1997 at Avalon Airport, Geelong, has been designated simply as AirShow DownUnder 97.
The UK aerospace industry, which will fly its own flag at Farnborough this week, will be out in force with one of the flagship projects of the new IMAGES programme resulting in a significant UK presence at the Australian expo, the largest aviation and aerospace event in the Southern Hemisphere.
A statement from the Department of Trade and Industry says Australia's key location makes it an ideal promotional springboard for marketing to the countries of the region, which is predicted to spend around $2 billion on aircraft, equipment and maintenance between now and the end of the century.
The land down under is of course a significant aerospace market itself, recognised as a regional leader in both military and commercial aviation.
Source: Flight Daily News
