A special celebration for a significant milestone will take place when the millionth visitor to Warbirds Over Wānaka (WOW) is scanned into the event this Easter.

WOW general manager Ed Taylor said he expects the millionth visitor to come into the airshow at some stage on the first day (Friday April 3) - and they will be in for a surprise.

"We will greet them with some celebration fizz and they will receive a goodie bag including tickets to the luxury Titanium Pass area for our 40th anniversary show in 2028 valued at almost $1,400, a special one-off airshow cap and a $300 voucher to spend on official airshow merchandise."

WOW general manager Ed Taylor said the milestone represented huge growth. The first airshow, held in 1988 (pictured), attracted 14,000 people. PHOTO: WOW

Ed said it was amazing to think back to the very first airshow in 1988 when 14,000 people attended.  

“Who would have thought that 38 years later the airshow would not only still be around but would be welcoming its one millionth visitor and would be one of New Zealand's major biennial events.”

Meanwhile, the airshow has confirmed its Future of Aviation exhibition will be back after debuting in 2024. 

“One of the great things about our airshow is that along with amazing aircraft from the past and present we also showcase what’s next, especially in the sustainability arena,” Ed said.

The Future of Aviation exhibition will include Kea Aerospace’s solar-powered unmanned aircraft, which has already reached stratospheric flight.

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Meanwhile UK aviation start-up Merlin will showcase autonomous flight technology, alongside US engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, which is presenting more sustainable engine systems.

Skilplane will demonstrate a new approach to pilot training, while UC Aerospace will display rockets and a hybrid rocket engine.

The exhibition is one of many attractions and aircraft already announced for this year’s airshow.

Warbirds Over Wānaka will take place at Wānaka Airport over Easter weekend (April 3-5).

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