13/8/06
The spectacular Red Bull Air Race to be held in Perth in November has been granted approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the approval removed the last hurdle for Perth crowds to witness the adrenaline-pumping spectacle - known as the World Series for pilots.
"It is excellent CASA has given this amazing race the go-ahead, meaning hundreds of thousands of people can be thrilled by this free event," Ms McHale said.
"CASA has been very thorough in its assessment of the event and put in place stringent safety conditions."
The Minister said the race would take place November 17-19 over the Swan River, with the airstrip at Langley Park. The best vantage point would be the South Perth foreshore.
"The Red Bull Air Race has never been held in Australia and it was a real coup for Perth to win the bid last year," Ms McHale said.
"It will see some of the world's top pilots undertake precision manoeuvres through a series of inflatable 'gates' at speeds of up to 400km/h while withstanding forces of about 10G.
"The race has thrilled massive crowds in some of the world's biggest cities, including San Francisco, Berlin, Barcelona, Istanbul and Budapest.
"The recently held Istanbul race attracted 1.5million spectators."
To help promote the Race, Tourism WA will run a catchy online campaign featuring an interactive viral game, a website promoting local and international travel packages to Perth and a competition to win a plane flight and trip for two to Perth.
The Minister said the State Government had invested $2.8million into the Red Bull Air Race, which was expected to generate about $10million in value for the State. The event was expected to showcase Perth to a potential global audience of 100 million viewers.
"This is another example of how tourism is proving itself as a major economic driver for WA," Ms McHale said.
Minister's office - 9213 6900
