The airshow over the past 36 years has cracked the $300 million mark, despite its cancellation in 2020 and 2022 because of Covid restrictions.
Things roared back into life at Easter this year, with the first airshow in six years generating more than $40m for the regional economy, Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshows chairman Paul Moodie said in a statement yesterday.
The total economic impact over the show’s 36-year lifetime was a "conservative estimate" of "around $305m".
“We are all about staging a truly world-class event which gives back to our region.
"We believe we do that well with not just the economic benefit but also the engagement with the community on so many levels.
“There are numerous community groups which benefit financially from being involved in helping deliver the airshow.
"For some of these it’s a significant part of their fundraising every couple of years.
"We are also extremely proud of our free community lakeside airshow which attracts thousands of people."
The 2024 economic impact assessment report was very encouraging, he said.
The overall satisfaction rating was 98%, there were about 64,800 guests over the three days (up 18% on 2018), and the Saturday and Sunday sold out.
A drop in international visitors was "more than made up for by a surge in the numbers of Kiwis", Mr Moodie said.
The report also revealed 45% of visitors were attending the airshow for the first time.
Parking and traffic management was identified as an area of concern.
Mr Moodie said the management team could start planning for Easter 2026 with confidence.
The next airshow will be held on April 3, 4 and 5.
Tickets go on sale next July.
