The highly anticipated two-day Wonderboom Airshow & Avian Career Expo 2025 is set to kick off at Wonderboom Airport in Tshwane on November 14, promising heart-stopping action and unforgettable experiences for thousands of aviation enthusiasts and industry players. 

The event is happening after the city parted ways with Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the former service provider, following the 2024 airshow edition. 

The two parties had entered into a three-year memorandum of understanding, which expired last year in July, and it was never renewed.

In April, city spokesperson Lindela Mashigo explained that the Aero SA Exhibition cannot be replicated since its rights are privately owned by Messe Frankfurt.

However, he said, the city has partnered with private entities to host a new airshow and a military conference at Wonderboom Airport.

Tlangi Mogale, Member of the Mayoral Committee Roads and Transport, expressed optimism that this year’s airshow edition will attract thousands of visitors, aviation enthusiasts, and industry players from across the country.

The previous airshows have been massive, drawing crowds of up to 60,000 people.

Mogale said the first day will be earmarked as Career Day, aiming to inspire young people about aviation opportunities and spark their passion for the industry. 

“The expo is designed to inspire and empower young people to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. It will feature exhibitions, interactive sessions, and career talks by professionals from the South African Air Force, aviation training schools, and other key industry stakeholders,” she said.

The career exhibition event will set the stage for an epic airshow on Saturday, with breathtaking aerial displays, top South African aviation talent, and heart-stopping aerobatics.

Mogale said: “Together, these events form part of the city’s commitment to positioning Wonderboom National Airport as a strategic hub for aviation excellence and community development. Beyond the excitement and entertainment, the Wonderboom Airshow and Aviation Career Expo provide important economic, educational, and tourism benefits for the city and its residents.”

She said these events will give local businesses a major boost and solidify Tshwane’s reputation as a destination for tourism and innovation.

“The Avian Career Expo further reflects the city’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and industry collaboration, in line with its broader vision of inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” she said.

Previous airshows have delivered unforgettable entertainment, featuring revved-up superbike racing, gravity-defying X-Fighters, and Formula A1 racing cars speeding around the track.

This year, the aviation fans can expect the South African Air Force to go all out with precision fly-pasts and tactical displays showcasing their skills.

Nonkululeko Sishi, acting CEO of Colossal Aviapartner, said the airshow is more than just an airshow, but also a celebration of aviation, community, and innovation.

“Families can enjoy a full day of entertainment while getting up close to some of the country’s finest aircraft and pilots,” she said

Ryan van Wijk, CEO Alt Academy, said the company is thrilled to be part of the airshow.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of aviators and showcase the diversity of South African aviation talent,” he said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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