The Tauranga Airshow returns next Auckland Anniversary weekend with rare and unusual flying displays planned with the hope of them drawing a worldwide audience.

Named ‘Classics of the Sky', the airshow is expected to be bigger than the 2010 event, with more to see in the air and on the ground, says Classic Flyers CEO Andrew Gormlie.

See video highlight reel below of the 2010 airshow held at Tauranga Airport. Pictured here is a moment during the Yak-52 aerobatics display in 2010.

Classic Flyers' Skyhawk will be on static display, and Andrew's hoping the show will see a visit from the world's only flying DeHavilland Mosquito.

This plane, which has taken 10 years to restore/rebuild, is being built in Auckland for an American owner and is planned to be flying by Christmas.

'We've got proximity and we've got an airshow happening at the end of January,” says Andrew.

'They will probably have the aircraft finished and operational by the end of the year and we are the first airshow on the list – the whole world will look at us if that happens.”

Andrew's also hoping to have a Martin Jetpack on display at the show.

An RNZAF Skyhawk is one of the display pieces scheduled for the 2012 Classics of the Sky airshow.

'We are hoping to get a demo,” says Andrew.

'A whole lot of people, not even aviation types, would want to come and see that because of its unusual nature.

'They are possibilities, but it's too early to say. Every couple of months we will have some firm data on what's happening.

'It's a difficult issue,” says Andrew, 'you want to bill them so people will come, but it's too far out to know that.”

He's also hoping for a flying visit from a new RNZN NH90 helicopter – the replacement for the ageing Iroquois.

The two-day show, January 28-29, will have flying displays over both days with a limited display on the Saturday, with ticket prices reflecting that, says Andrew.

The trade sites and family displays will be available all day, both days.

Classic Flyers CEO Andrew Gormlie says the 2012 airshow is going to be bigger and better than Tauranga's inaugural one in 2010.

The two-day show is three events in one. As well as the airshow itself, there is the Sport Aircraft Association of New Zealand (SAANZ) biennial Sport Avex, which includes flying competitions, and the trade fair and family entertainment organised by the Rotary Club of Tauranga – Te Papa, all happening at Tauranga Airport.

Andrew's looking for trade site bookings at this stage and says there are some exciting possibilities for businesses.

The area for Gold Pass ticket holders is larger than it was at the 2010 event and will be available both days.

An additional option for Gold Pass holders is to have a tour of the aircraft on the Saturday afternoon.

Helicopter flights to and from Mills Reef and Papamoa will also be available both days.

The 2012 show also provides about 100 sites on the field for campervans.

A collection of pictures capturing the sights of the 2010 Tauranga Airshow.