EAA’s AirVenture sees attendance drop

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — Attendance dropped at this year’s Experimental Aviation Association’s AirVenture.

But EAA president Tom Poberezny said that with challenges like high fuel prices and a sagging economy, the event turned out to be a success.
The estimated 540,000 attendees was a decrease from 560,000 in 2007.

EAA bases its attendance numbers on daily paid admission and weekly pass holders. Each pass is considered seven admissions.

More than 10,000 aircraft arrived, including 2,516 showplanes and 797 commercial exhibitors.

Organizers also said that more than 2,100 visitors registered at the International Visitors Tent and came from 71 foreign countries.

Poberezny said Tuesday that EAA is already looking ahead to next year when Virgin Galactic’s White Knight Two space vehicle is expected to be on display.

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