The organizers – the Federal Army, the State of Styria and Red Bull – announced this in an initial report on Saturday evening. Airpower was marked by traffic jams on Saturday for those arriving by private transport, but the public transport concept worked this time. Those responsible spoke unanimously of a great success and great achievements by pilots, technicians and all employees.
Styrian Economic Affairs Minister Barbara Eibinger-Miedl (ÖVP) said it was a very well-organized event and that the emergency services had done a great job. “They were two days of enormous advertising value. And Styria was presented as a technology location, in industry, education and research,” said the Minister.
“Pilots are winners”
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The head of the air force, Major General Gerfried Promberger, recalled that Airpower had been held for the eleventh time. The enthusiasm of the visitors on both days was evident from the long rounds of applause. “Project team, great job and a great job. Pilots are winners,” said Promberger. When asked when the next air show would take place, the air chief replied: “If it’s up to spectators and the economy, then every year. There is a tendency towards a two-year cycle, but the final decision has not yet been made.”
Flying Bull chief pilot Raimund Riedmann, who was still sitting in the cockpit of a P-38 half an hour before the results were taken, spoke of great emotions. “When you see how many people are in the area during the landing – that creates emotions, that shows enthusiasm for aviation.”
Brigadier Wolfgang Prieler, Airpower project manager, was “very happy and proud” of the 250,000 visitors. Around 100,000 came on Friday despite the rain. There was good cooperation between all parts of the Federal Army in the organization. From the organizers’ point of view, the transport concept worked; the trains from the state capitals were fully booked. Traffic jams could not be avoided in private transport when as many people arrived as on Saturday. “We will of course follow up on this and learn lessons for the next Airpower,” said Prieler.
Photo gallery: Airpower 2024: 250,000 visitors saw air show in Upper Styria
(Foto: GEPA pictures/ Wolfgang Grebien (GEPA pictures)) Bild 1/93
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Excessive private transport
As with previous air shows, the target was a total of 300,000, which is the maximum number of visitors set by the Murtal district authority. This was difficult to achieve this weekend, as the rainy weather on the first day of the event had apparently kept many visitors away. On the other hand, this had a relaxing effect on the traffic situation on arrival and departure on Friday. On Saturday, however, the excessive private traffic put pressure on the emergency services. “Patience will be the watchword of the day,” a police officer told APA. Around midday, it was said that the event was practically at capacity. From 2 p.m., the police reported the first “outflows,” i.e. visitors who had already left the event. But over the course of the afternoon and evening, it was said: Patience continues to be our motto for the departure, too, the police posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The journey by road to the last day of the Airpower air show in Zeltweg in Upper Styria had been difficult until Saturday afternoon. While public transport was generally running well, there were traffic jams for miles on the Murtal expressway (S36) in particular, as well as at the access roads to the air base in the city area. According to the police, some buses had arrived without previously purchased parking tickets. A lane on the L518 between the sports center and the barracks had to be kept free for them. The shuttle buses from the parking lots to the air base area were also stuck in the traffic jams. There were hardly any delays or space problems with the trains and S-Bahn this time.
206 aircraft from over 20 nations in the air
At the air show, 206 aircraft from over 20 nations were in the air and on display at the static display, including flying giants such as the C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft from the USA and the German Airbus A-400M. While Friday was affected by rain-related program cancellations – for example, the Spanish aerobatic team was unable to take off – Saturday was packed with activities. One of the highlights: the performance by the Spanish Patrulla Águila and the Patrouille Suisse and the low-altitude flyover of the new long-haul jet from Austrian Airlines, the Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner. The commissioned work “The Argonauts” with music was a performance in itself, a kind of mixed and commented ballet for helicopters, airplanes, heavy equipment, pyrotechnics and actors about Jason, Medea and the Golden Fleece.
According to the organizers, Airpower generates around ten million euros in added value in Styria alone. Over 6,200 employees – including a good 3,800 soldiers – ensure the running of the event, which aims to reduce waste and CO2 emissions every year. The organizers are splitting the event’s costs of 4.2 million euros by a third.
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Airpower 2024 tickets
Airpower 2024: A Resounding Success with 250,000 Visitors
The 11th edition of Airpower, held on September 6-7, 2024, at the Hinterstoisser Airbase in Zeltweg, Styria, Austria, was a massive success, attracting a record 250,000 visitors over two days. The airshow, organized by the Federal Army, the State of Styria, and Red Bull, was marked by stunning aerial performances, impressive displays of military aircraft, and a festive atmosphere.
Traffic Jams and Public Transport Concept
While private transport on Saturday was marred by traffic jams, the organizers’ public transport concept worked efficiently, with trains from state capitals being fully booked. Brigadier Wolfgang Prieler, Airpower project manager, acknowledged that some lessons would be learned from the traffic congestion and applied to future events.
Enthusiastic Response from Visitors and Officials
Styrian Economic Affairs Minister Barbara Eibinger-Miedl (ÖVP) praised the event’s organization and the emergency services’ performance, highlighting the enormous advertising value for Styria as a technology location in industry, education, and research. Major General Gerfried Promberger, head of the air force, emphasized the pilots’ achievements, and Flying Bull chief pilot Raimund Riedmann shared his emotional experience during the landing.
Merchandise and Travel Packages
To commemorate the event, Steinadler offers an Airpower 2024 Shirt, made from pre-washed, 100% organic cotton, with a regular fit and round neck design [[2]]. For those planning to attend future Airpower events, travel agencies like Serbus provide convenient packages, including transportation and accommodations [[3]].
The Future of Airpower
When asked about the next air show, Major General Promberger hinted at a possible annual or biennial event, pending further discussions and decisions. With the success of Airpower 2024, there is no doubt that this iconic airshow will continue to thrill audiences in the years to come.
Official Website and Photo Gallery
For more information about Airpower, visit the official website [[1]], which features a stunning photo gallery showcasing the event’s highlights.
Airpower 2024 was an overwhelming success, with a record-breaking number of visitors, impressive displays, and glowing reviews from officials and participants alike. As the organizers work towards future
