In cooperation with the Austrian broadcasting corporation ORF, several civilian co-organizers and the regional tourist office, the Austrian Air Force Base Hinterstoisser (Zeltweg) hosted a mega-event with 210 participating aircraft from 21 different countries. Perfect weather and the picturesque background of the Styrian mountains attracted more than 220.000 spectators to Hinterstoisser AFB, home of the 2nd Wing of the Austrian Air Force.

The small town of Zeltweg being no stranger to big events (the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix took place on the nearby race court for several times), should have been prepared for heavy traffic – but despite best efforts none actually had expected such a large number of visitors. From all parts of Europe aircraft enthusiasts flocked to Zeltweg. The flying displays produced the best show that has been seen in Europe in recent years. The huge number of exotic aircraft, a big static display, a well organized framework program and of course the displays of the Austrian Air Force made the AIR POWER 2000 the best air show on the European continent in the year 2000.