The Bournemouth Air Festival is expected to miss a year and return in 2026 if feasibility conversations continue as planned.
A recommendation will be put to the Council Cabinet meeting on October 2nd that a 10-year agreement be made to a potential operator from 2026 to 2036.
This unnamed potential operator has key links to the European Airshow Council (EAC) and the UK Air Display Symposiums. There is also experience in the UK airshow market and the ability to further advance the work started by the Council in relation to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to benefit youth and inspire the next generation.
A report says the potential operator attended the 2024 event to gain insight into the further work that is needed.
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “We understand that people have questions about the future of the Bournemouth Air Festival, and we continue to scope plans for its future.
“We have been honest that, bearing in mind the financial challenges we are facing as a council, 2024 was the last year of a council funded air show.
“We have talked to several potential future operators, but any decision needs to go through the full democratic process.
“In a report going to Cabinet on Wednesday 2 October, there is an officer recommendation to agree to continued feasibility conversations with a future operator, as well as seeking to source sponsorship, for a festival from 2026 onwards.
“This is another step in this process, but we would like to emphasise that no decision has been made.
“We will update residents, businesses and visitors as soon as we can.”