Not one, but two, RAAF F/A 18 Hornets are amongst the star attractions at the 2017 Wings Over the Illawarra airshow.

Unlike last year, when one participated in the flying program before heading home, this year both will be landing and aviation buffs will be able to get up close for a good look.

When the Hornets take off at the end of Saturday to go back to Williamstown, they will put on a spectacular Wall of Fire in farewell.

In a short time, Wings Over Illawarra has become Australia’s largest annual air show.

This year it is expected to attract 30,000 people over two days, with strong backing from Destination NSW.

Over 40 planes will be participating in the two day flying program, featuring a mix of vintage and modern aircraft. They include the RAAF’s biggest plane, the C17 Globemaster, a Sabre (which will do the Wall of Fire on Sunday), a Mustang and acrobatic display teams.

The latter include the ever popular Roulettes, which are opening the Show on Saturday morning.

Australian Red Bull Air Race Pilot Matt Hall will be making a return as well.

The full flying schedule is at wingsoverillawarra.com.au

There will also be over 70 old school planes from HARS and others on static display, along with vintage car and motorbike displays, children’s rides and other activities.

For the first time, ticket-holders will also have entry to a new trade show component, Aviatex 2017, focusing on the light sport and recreational sectors of the aviation industry.

Details: 6-7 May, Albion Park Airport

A variety of ticket options are available, with online pre-purchases offering discounts.  Go to wingsoverillawarra.com.au for details.

Tickets at the gate for an adult are $45 for single days and $72 for the two days. Family and age concessions available.