Story ID: 
EAA Cancels 2020 AirVenture
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: While it canceled the 2020 AirVenuture show, EAA will roll over pre-sold 2020 admissions and camping reservations to the 2021 show or provide refunds.
Word Count: 295
The Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture fly-in convention held annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from some 90 countries, was canceled for 2020 amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, organizers announced this morning. EAA will roll over pre-sold 2020 admissions and camping reservations to the 2021 show or provide refunds, the organization said, adding it will contact those involved over the next couple of weeks.

“There is no way to describe the disappointment I feel for everyone who sees AirVenture as aviation’s family reunion each year,” said EAA chairman and CEO Jack Pelton of the decision to cancel the 68th edition of the event that was to be held from July 20 to 26. “We looked at every possibility over the past six weeks as to how EAA could move forward with AirVenture this year because it is such an important reunion for the aviation community.”

Wisconsin remains under a stay-at-home order at least until May 26, eliminating the ability to begin ground preparations that would have begun this month, Pelton said. Further, since opening dates remain fluid, the ability to host mass gatherings in July remains in flux.

“Ultimately, preserving the health and safety of all who would attend—and all the varying guidelines between states and countries from where our participants arrive—along with the massive commitments needed now for an event to meet EAA’s high standards, made cancelation the only option for this year,” he said.

EAA has begun to look toward the 2021 event, which is scheduled for July 26 to August 1.

The decision falls in line with the numerous other events scheduled for this summer, including the Farnborough International Airshow that also was to have been held in July.