During a visit to Napier last week, RNZAF Wing Commander Bill Blaikie took time out to meet with the Art Deco Trust and was delighted with how the aviation side of the event is stacking up.
The annual Geon Art Deco Weekend has been extended next February to include a series of events which take in the 75th anniversary of the RNZAF.
Wing Commander Blaikie said the celebrations were exactly the type of community-orientated event the RNZAF wanted to be a part of during its special year of celebration.
"The anniversary is a significant milestone in the history of our service and it is also on the Government's programme of significant national events."
The RNZAF will turn out its acclaimed Red Checkers aerobatic team, the vintage wing aircraft, and will entertain on the ground with its 60-strong band.
Trust manager Sally Jackson said a large number of privately-owned classic and vintage aircraft would be heading for the skies over Napier and there was a string of aviation-themed events planned.
"This year it will be amazing with so many vintage aircraft and air force personnel in the city. We know that this anniversary celebration will be one of the biggest the country will see and to include that in our own deco party is fantastic for all those who attend the events."
Mrs Jackson said ticket sales had been "extremely strong" with some events either sold out or close to it.
As well as strong local sales, there had been inquiries from all over the country and Australia.
She said several tour companies had included the Geon Art Deco Weekend in their itineraries and were planning a North Island tour stopping in at Napier for the festival period.