A world-renowned air race pilot will put on a show for spectators in Cairns as the nation commemorates the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
Matt Hall, a former Royal Australian Air Force top gun fighter pilot and the reigning Red Bull Air Race world champion, will perform a jaw-dropping acrobatic display in the sky over Cairns Esplanade tomorrow while he is in town for a two-day conference hosted by Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA).
Coinciding with the national public holiday to mourn Queen Elizabeth II, Mr Hall’s show will be a nostalgic nod to the late monarch, whose milestones were often celebrated with incredible aircraft displays, including the Platinum Jubilee earlier this year when more than 70 planes soared over Buckingham Palace.
Cairns Airport Manager Aviation Business Development David Nye encouraged Cairns and Far North
residents to check out the rare stunt show, which is free to attend.
“Matt Hall’s ability to manoeuvre an aircraft is extraordinary,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to get together and witness something truly remarkable,
particularly on a significant day like this.”
Mr Hall will also host a discussion about air racing during the two-day RAAA regional roadshow, which will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns on Thursday and Friday.
The conference enables regional aviation operators and suppliers to connect and explore opportunities
across the growing sector. More than 70 delegates are set to attend.
RAAA Chief Executive Officer Steven Campbell said the conference would delve into a range of topics,
including the latest aviation trends across Australia and overseas, achieving net zero carbon emissions and the development of a new aviation white paper.
He said the event would help members interpret evolving trends and assist with their business growth plans and decision making.
“Cairns is such an important hub for aviation in the region,” Mr Campbell said.
“The roadshow will bring people from around Australia to Cairns, to see what’s happening there, to share ideas and talk about the recovery after COVID.”
A key element of the roadshow is a skill shortages workshop, with a particular focus on the need for more licenced aircraft maintenance engineers.
“This will enable our members to talk directly to government officials about how the regions are suffering from shortages of skills in aviation, and what they can do to assist,” Mr Campbell said.
Matt Hall’s free stunt show will take place sometime between 4pm and 5pm on Thursday at Cairns
Esplanade. The best spots for viewing will be between Muddy’s Playground and Salthouse.
For more information about the RAAA, visit raaa.com.au