Excitement is building in the Illawarra and beyond as the region's biggest air show nears.
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Former RAAF Top Gun instructor Matt Hall is expected to deliver the highlight of this year's Wings Over Illawarra, with a daring aerobatics display.
Hall's display is a new addition to the seven-year-old event, and part of efforts to add to its modern elements.
"We still have the historic aircraft side of things but it's a new addition that's going to bring some new people down," said Chris Clark, air display co-ordinator.
Organisers are hoping for a crowd of 15,000 people, with the event set around the theme 'Celebrating Naval Aviation', a nod to the centenary anniversary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet into Sydney.
Michael Hough, of the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society, said spectators would have the chance to enjoy static displays and - for the buffs - see some of the maintenance being carried out on aircraft including the HARS Neptune.
Mr Hough said the event was a proven tourism drawcard for the region.
"Our postcode analysis of last year shows about 65 per cent or more visitors came from outside the Illawarra," he said.
"It's a marvellous way of opening up the region for people who come down and enjoy the air show and discover this is a really nice place."
Wings Over Illawarra is at Illawarra Regional Airport on May 5. See the website, www.woi.org.au, for full details.