The 12th Annual Convention for the RAAA (Regional Aviation Association of Australia) was held on the Sunshine Coast. Highly regarded as the premier annual aviation event in Australia, attracting both national and international delegates.
Flying high on the Sunshine Coast
The convention was open to members and non-members and covered topics which are important, current, and relevant to the aviation industry and specifically the regional aviation community.
Why the Sunshine Coast was chosen
The Sunshine Coast is one of the few places in Australia which can host both accommodation and conference facilities for a group of this size. The event has previously taken place for the past 12 years at Hyatt Regency Coolum and each year something new and exciting is happening within the region. This makes the event more attractive for delegates to not only keep up to date on what is happening within their industry but to also discover and rediscover a beautiful part of Australia.
Event overview
This is one of the major aviation business conferences of its kind in the world. Event organiser Peter Lang enthuses, “The RAAA is the largest and most successful aviation conference for general aviation and attracts a variety of industry from manufacturers, suppliers, operators both large and small, government and regulatory authorities and even apprentice pilots.” The program for the 12th annual convention was a 3 day event which looked at current and relevant topics affecting the aviation industry.
The 12th Annual Convention for the RAAA (Regional Aviation Association of Australia) was held on the Sunshine Coast and is highly regarded as the premier annual aviation event in Australia, attracting both national and international delegates.
12th Annual RAAA Convention talking points
The event was an overwhelming success no thanks in part to the spectacular events put on for the delegates. The welcome function was held at the Aeromil Hangar, located at the Sunshine Coast Airport. A unique experience for attendees as this was the first time an event of this size had occurred in the hangar. Of course the hangar was appropriately themed with a variety of planes on display including antique jets and the world’s fast business jets – The Citation X. The function also featured a unique collection of classic cars including a 1963 Gold Wing Mercedes Benz. Other highlights of the convention included a trade show in the Pavilion, an international food fair at the Village Square Pool and a Moulin Rouge themed event on the last night.
Event attendees
The event attracted a range of guests and speakers including The Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Paul Tyrrell, CEO of RAAA and Captain Richard Champion de Crespigny, QANTAS A380 Captain.
Background of the Association
The RAAA is a not for profit organisation formed in the 1980’s to protect, represent and promote the combined interested of its regional airline members throughout Australia. With 24 ordinary members and 47 Associate members who directly employ over 2,500 Australians mostly in regional areas the Association is crucial in providing support and information on various topics of interest.
The convention is one of the ways the Association can reach its members and understand the issues they face on a ground level.
