Now that the Government/CAA (quite rightly in my opinion) wish to recover their costs in full, those shows which are unprofitable or barely break even will not cope without a root and branch change in organisation, planning and a change in attitude from staging an enjoyable day out for people, to actually sitting down and planning well in advance what it will cost and ensuring that they have entrance fees, exhibitor fees and money earning schemes in place to ensure they can fully cover the cost. A lot of shows are simply not managed on a suitably businesslike basis. .
Covering CAA costs is a real can of worms. In the past, they have often done little more than rubber stamp applications, which arguably costs very little. The allegations of gold-plating within their business model ( and they are looking to make a profit, not just provide a service) are not without foundation.
It is naive and patronising to talk of sitting down and planning properly. No event can GUARANTEE a profit, especially an outdoor event where weather can wipe out all chance of a profit, yet the charges and costs remain.
The most pragmatic would-be airshow organiser may well conclude that the game is not worth the candle. Profits are not large, but the risks are. Only the hassle and the set-up costs are a certainty. Luckily some people still have a passion for the aeroplanes and air displays, but it would be folly to suppose that such enthusiasm is ever-lasting.
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