But to do that, the organisers want as many unwanted 9kg gas bottles in Wānaka and Cromwell as they can find.
General manager Ed Taylor last week said the show’s expert pyrotechnicians had been creating walls of fire for years and were aiming for a 250m-long show next year.
"We use the bottles to make a big explosion. I am happy to pick them up. They won’t get them back," he said.
Planning for the 17th edition of the southern hemisphere’s largest warbirds airshow was well under way.
The 2022 event was cancelled due to Covid and organisers were working on a brilliant line-up from around New Zealand and the world, including privately owned aircraft and aircraft belonging to the RNZAF, RAAF, USAF and French Air Force.
"The amazing pyrotechnics, the Warhorse re-enactor groups, the aircraft for sale, air force recruiters and other exhibitors will all be back to make 2024 a truly unforgettable experience for everyone," Mr Taylor said.
