The Scottish International Airshow (TSIA) team have issued a statement this morning, following the announcement that South Ayrshire Council have planned to run the event themselves, with an appointed partner.
The Council announced on Wednesday, 28 September, that it appointed a strategic partner, theSKYLAB to help with the running of an event next year, following from this announcement, the council announced on Friday, 30th September, that it plans to bring the Airshow back to Ayr in 2023.
The original organisers of The Scottish International Airshow have, this morning, issued a statement:
"The Scottish International Airshow (TSIA) team congratulate Geoff Coxon and The Skylab for being selected by South Ayrshire Council to head up the new Ayrshow 2023. We worked with Geoff on the STEM aspects of The Scottish Airshow back in 2015 and 2016.
"The TSIA team delivered the Airshows in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 against all the odds on a shoestring budget mainly funded by money we brought in ourselves on top of grants from the public purse.
"We took huge personal risks with our own money and time. It was very tough going but we proved it could be done with the Airshows in 2014 and 2018 below budget and 2015, 2016 and 2017 over budget. Overall we balanced the books.
"We delivered five free to attend events bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Ayrshire and bringing millions of pounds into the Ayrshire economy. As Doug always said we had a ‘five year plan’.
"That plan took us from a small experimental Airshow in 2014 to the huge Scottish International Airshow of 2018 We showed it could be done and we shared how we did it with SAC every step of the way.
"SAC has decided to run a new airshow event in house and take ownership of this type of event for Ayr. It is a very positive step that SAC now sees the incredible value of an airshow event to boost morale, encourage our young people in Aerospace and contribute to the economy.
"We opened the door – over to you SAC. We hope you will invite us to the VIP tent for a pint. We will now use our TSIA facebook and other media to bring you updates on the new SAC run airshow along with news on aviation events in Scotland and our other Scottish Airshow air display events we plan for the future.
"All the very best. Danny, Doug, Fiona, Euan, Cal, Mike Wood, our wonderful volunteers and the whole TSIA Team."