ConocoPhillips has reached a multi-year agreement to be the sponsor of AirVenture’s “West Ramp” marquee attraction area, formerly known as Aeroshell Square, which will now be known as ConocoPhillips Plaza. EAA AirVenture will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Located at the center of the AirVenture grounds, ConocoPhillips Plaza is one of the most visited areas on the grounds and is home to many of the featured attractions, ranging from historic warbirds to the latest innovations in flight, according to EAA officials. Some of the marquee aircraft attractions expected to appear on ConocoPhillips Plaza during AirVenture 2011 include the world’s only airworthy B-29 Superfortress “FIFI,” U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II, and Naval Heritage Aircraft honoring the Centennial of Naval Aviation, plus many others.
“Given our longstanding history in and on-going appreciation for aviation, we are pleased to expand our participation at this year’s EAA AirVenture,” said Kristi DesJarlais, Manager Global Brand and Community Investments for ConocoPhillips. “With the introduction of the ConocoPhillips Plaza, along with our 7,000 sq. ft. exhibit which will showcase our Phillips 66 Aviation fuel and family of automotive branded fuels and lubricants including Phillips 66, Conoco, 76 and Kendall motor oil, we look forward to being an integral part of the event and serving as the welcome point for customers and distinguished visitors alike.”
ConocoPhillips Plaza’s dedication ceremony is planned for Monday morning, July 25, the first day of AirVenture 2011. Following the afternoon air show later that day, ConocoPhillips Plaza will host REO Speedwagon in the Opening Day Concert, presented by Ford Motor Company.
“Hundreds of thousands flock through AirVenture’s marquee attraction area each year,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “ConocoPhillips has been a long-time AirVenture supporter, and we are delighted to bring them on board as the title sponsor of ConocoPhillips Plaza. Their support is a big reason why we are able to bring in the marquee attractions featured at Oshkosh.”
ConocoPhillips Plaza also will be home to several presentations and opportunities for attendees to meet air show performers, innovators, and other noted speakers throughout the week on a newly constructed stage designed to bring military and general aviation notables to the AirVenture audience.
Additionally, ConocoPhillips is continuing its financial commitment to EAA’s Young Eagles program as the “Presenter of the Young Eagles.” A long-time supporter of Young Eagles, ConocoPhillips renewed commitment will help ensure the pathway for young people toward becoming aviators, EAA officials said.
“Thanks to the support and commitment from forward-thinking organizations like ConocoPhillips, the Young Eagles program has become the most successful youth aviation education program in history – showcasing limitless opportunities in the aviation world,” said Steve Buss, Young Eagles executive director. “We are honored to continue to have ConocoPhillips as the ‘presenter of Young Eagles’ as we grow the next generation of aviators.”
Since 1992, the EAA Young Eagles program has flown more than 1.6 million young people free of charge. Recent research shows that these young people are five times more likely to become pilots than non-Young Eagles and already comprise more than 7% of the nation’s pilot population under age 35.
For more information: Airventure.org
