AirVenture 2025: A Celebration of Aviation that Soars to New Heights
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) recently wrapped up its much-anticipated annual AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, and it’s safe to say this year’s event was unforgettable! Dubbed “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” the event attracted an astounding 705,000 attendees from over 94 countries, breaking last year’s record of 686,000 enthusiastic aviation aficionados.
One of the highlights this year was the participation of EAA’s first guest from Senegal, adding a touch of international flair to the gathering. While many visitors from abroad often go unregistered, officials suggest the real attendance may be even higher. The proverbial backbone of this event, the more than 6,000 dedicated volunteers, worked tirelessly to ensure that everything flew smoothly.
Camping has always been a popular component of AirVenture, with around 15,000 visitors choosing to experience the event under the stars. Among them, 3,000 brought their aircraft, turning the campground into a unique sky-high community. Moreover, volunteers logged an impressive 300,000 hours over the event’s span— a true testament to their passion for aviation.
EAA’s CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton was thrilled with the diverse crowds that were present this year, noting a significant increase in family participation. “We’re really seeing a much broader family participation. So, it’s moms, dads, and the kids,” he shared excitedly. This kind of engagement not only fosters a love for aviation but also inspires the next generation of pilots and aircraft enthusiasts.
Weather played its usual role, with a rainstorm hitting on Thursday, but that didn’t dampen spirits. In fact, Saturday night’s airshow drew one of the largest crowds of the week. Warbird participation was also on the rise, with 361 vintage military aircraft dazzling the sky.
Reflecting on the week’s events, Pelton stated, “Our theme of ‘One Week – Endless Possibilities’ certainly rang true at Oshkosh. Whether it was aviation history or innovation or camaraderie, it was present in countless ways during the week.” Truly, the event didn’t just celebrate flying; it showcased the enduring spirit of aviation.
The aircraft count was equally staggering, with over 10,000 planes making their way to Oshkosh and surrounding cities like Fond du Lac and Appleton. During the ten-day event, an impressive 16,246 flight operations were managed by the control tower at Wittman Regional Airport, making it one of the world’s busiest airports for that period.
A fascinating study from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh highlighted that AirVenture injects a remarkable 7 million into the economy of the five counties surrounding Oshkosh, signaling the event’s vital role not just in aviation but also in local business growth.
As the curtains close on AirVenture 2025, the preparations for next year’s spectacle are already in motion, scheduled for July 20-26, 2026. Pelton confirmed, “There is never a shortage of ideas from EAA members, AirVenture attendees, and our partners.” If this year is anything to go by, we can certainly expect a thrilling lineup for 2026.
Stay tuned for more aviation news as the world looks forward to another exciting chapter in the journey of flight!
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