High Flying Attraction for the Gold Coast

Plans have been revealed for spectacular new visitor attraction for the Gold Coast.

The $8 million AiRush attraction is a three storey vertical wind tunnel that simulates the experience of skydiving.

It is planned to open in mid 2010 at a site at the Chevron Renassiance Centre on Elkhorn Avenue in Surfers Paradise.

The glass-covered AiRush will feature multiple overhead fans that create a wall-to-wall airflow through the flight chamber. This enables riders to enjoy the exhilaration of 'bodyflight' - a sensation similar to that experienced by a skydiver in freefall from a height of 7,000 metres.

AirRush's management team includes former Gold Coast Mayor Gary Baildon and former Warner Village Theme Parks Chief Operating Officer Steve Peet along with Chief Executive Colin Bland.

After experiencing similar attractions in the USA, developed by the Texas-based SkyVenture USA, the group selected Surfers Paradise as the perfect site to open the Southern Hemisphereâs first vertical wind tunnel. As Bland explains, "with the demographic profile and the make-up of the visitors, Surfers Paradise seemed an obvious place."

When Australia's first VWT opens it will be a one hour 'experience' attraction where guests are led by trained Bodyflight instructors. Unlike rides, skill is required to maximise the participantâs experience, with regular flyers developing ability and technique.

AiRush operators are currently looking to raise further capital from 'sophisticated' investors to expand the business and to open similar attractions at other locations around Australia.

AiRush is previewed in the May/June 2009 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

For more information contact Colin Bland of AiRush International on 0405 398 855, E: colin@airush.net, www.airush.net

29th August 2008 - STEVE PEET LEAVES WARNER VILLAGE THEME PARKS