The Sling Squawk – June 2026
7 Jun 2026
The Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition is one of Asia-Pacific’s most prestigious aviation and aerospace events and the most comprehensive aviation, aerospace and defence exposition in the southern hemisphere.
Avalon hosts multiple concurrent conferences and expo streams, across the spectrum of Defence, Airlines, Business and General Aviation, Sport and Recreational Aviation, Airports, MRO, Space, Unmanned Systems, Air Safety and Ground Equipment.
Avalon supports multiple ways to engage with government, industry and defence opportunities; including indoor and outdoor exhibitions, chalets, sponsorship, and networking events.
While Australia and New Zealand prepare major Defence modernization programs, civil aerospace companies are pursuing the rapidly-growing Indo-Asia-Pacific airline and civil aerospace market, and the public will view the history as well as the margining future of air transport and air power.
After reaching Cape Town in Part 2, Josh Flowers and Chelsea Smith of Aviation101, along with Chris Lammert and Keelyn Costello, reunite with friends and fly their Sling aircraft north from Stellenbosch through the Tankwa Karoo, before crossing into Namibia and exploring the spectacular Fish River Canyon. From formation flying and the Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race to fireside celebrations and an off-airport landing in the desert, the journey becomes less about following a plan and more about embracing whatever comes next—because sometimes the most memorable part of flying happens after the engine shuts down.