The Australian International Airshow (AVALON) 2023 has made its first major aircraft announcement, with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Black Eagles Aerobatic Team confirmed to perform at next year’s event.
The eight-aircraft Black Eagles, one of the world’s premier military jet display teams, will bring their modified Korea Aerospace Industries KAI T-50B Golden Eagle jet aircraft to Australia for the first time.
Justin Giddings, CEO of AVALON 2023 organiser AMDA Foundation, said the Black Eagles were an exciting addition to the program, and the first of many to come in the following weeks.
“The AVALON 2023 team is honoured and excited that the first Black Eagles display ever seen in Australia will be at our event,” Mr Giddings said.
“This team is well known internationally for its professional display performance and distinctive aircraft that have not been seen in Australia before.
“The Black Eagles will add a new level of interest and spectacle for aviation enthusiasts.”
The Black Eagles, who have recently won awards at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2022 in Engand, continue an air display tradition that began in 1953 with a four-aircraft display team flying F-51 Mustang aircraft.
The team flies distinctive black, white and yellow aircraft, modified versions of the KIA T-50 supersonic light trainer and attack aircraft in service with the ROKAF.
Mr Giddings said the Black Eagles team and their aircraft, with their highly visible display livery, onboard camera systems and display smoke generating equipment, were a great example of AVALON 2023 organisers’ intentions for the airshow.
“Airshow 2023 is all about presenting new and exciting displays and aircraft across the spectrum of aviation, from Australia and around the world,” Mr Giddings said.
“There will be more announcements in the coming weeks about new aircraft, displays and teams, some of which will be performing in Australia for the first time.”
