Our story
At Open Air Adventure Flights, we bring history to life in the skies above Bunbury. Founded by Johan and powered by “Winnie” our 1941 Boeing Stearman. We’re here to share the thrill of open-cockpit flying and create unforgettable memories.
We’re Johan and Hayley,
the husband-and-wife team behind Open Air Adventure Flights. Together, we’re bringing history back to life and sharing our love of aviation with the South West community.
Every detail matters
from the paintwork to the finishing touches. Here, Winnie proudly wears her stars, a nod to her WWII heritage and timeless character.
Meet Johan, your pilot.
With thousands of hours in the sky and a lifetime of passion for flying, he’s ready to share the thrill of open-cockpit aviation with you.
Behind every adventure is hard work
care, and a lot of love. From sanding to painting, every part of Winnie’s restoration has been a true family project.
Open Air Adventure Flights was created to bring the golden age of aviation to life in Western Australia.
Founded by Johan and Hayley, Open Air is built on a love of flying, history, and sharing unforgettable experiences.
Based at Bunbury Airport, just two hours south of Perth, we’re proud to offer vintage open-cockpit adventure flights aboard Winnie, the only Boeing Stearman operating in Western Australia.
Meet Johan – Pilot & Founder
Johan Strydom has been flying for more than 20 years. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, his passion for aviation was sparked by his grandfather’s flying career and nurtured through a lifelong journey across the skies.
After flying as a First Officer for Emirates on the Boeing 777, including critical flights during the pandemic delivering medical supplies, Johan has returned to Australia to share his passion with others. At Open Air, he combines his professional experience with his love of vintage aircraft, bringing history and adventure together in every flight.
Meet Winnie – Our Boeing Stearman
“Winnie” is our beautifully restored 1941 Boeing Stearman biplane. Originally built as a military trainer in WWII, she went on to serve as a crop duster before being carefully preserved in New Zealand. Today, she’s been lovingly refurbished and now calls Bunbury home.
Her name pays tribute to Johan’s great-grandmother, Winifred - born on the very same date as Winnie’s manufacture in 1941. Every detail, from her US roundels to her open cockpit, is a nod to her wartime heritage.
Meet Hayley – Chief Ground Crew & Guest Experience
For Hayley Coulson, Open Air Adventure Flights is all about creating unforgettable experiences and sharing the magic of Winnie with every guest.
From your first enquiry to welcoming you back after your flight, Hayley looks after the marketing, customer experience, branding and day-to-day operations behind the scenes. She loves helping guests feel excited, comfortable and connected long before they step into the cockpit.
Her greatest joy isn't just flying in Winnie herself - it's watching others experience the wonder of open-cockpit flying for the very first time and seeing the smiles they return with.
Our Mission
At Open Air, we don’t just fly - we create memories. From quick bursts of adrenaline to once-in-a-lifetime milestone celebrations, our packages are designed to give you more than just a flight. They give you a story to tell, a connection to history, and the thrill of adventure.
Why Bunbury?
Bunbury Airport is the perfect home for Open Air. Just a short drive from the city centre and surrounded by WA’s beautiful coastline, it offers the ideal blend of accessibility and open skies. Whether you’re a local or visiting the South West, your aviation adventure starts here.
Why Winnie?
Our Boeing Stearman, built in 1941, is more than just an aircraft - she’s a piece of history. Once used to train WWII pilots, she’s now restored and ready to give you the same open-cockpit thrill those young cadets once felt.
Why Us?
We’re a small, family-run business with a big passion for aviation. Johan brings 20+ years of flying experience, while Hayley ensures every detail of your journey is memorable. Together, we’re here to share aviation with heart.
Why Now?
After years of dreaming and months of careful refurbishment, Winnie is nearly ready for take-off in Bunbury. With summer skies ahead, there’s no better time to experience the freedom of vintage flying.
Contact us
📞 Call or Text Hayley
0490 673 838
📧Email
info@openairflights.com.au
📍Location
Bunbury Airport, Western Australia
Open Air Blog posts
Meet Hayley Coulson – Behind the Scenes at Open Air Adventure Flights
Meet Hayley Coulson and learn how her background in aviation, customer experience and business operations complements founder Johan Strydom's vision, helping create unforgettable Boeing Stearman experiences at Open Air Adventure Flights.
20 Fascinating Facts About the Boeing Stearman
Discover 20 fascinating facts about the iconic Boeing Stearman, the legendary WWII trainer aircraft. Learn its history, unique features and why you can still fly one today in Bunbury, Western Australia.
What Does It Feel Like to Fly in an Open-Cockpit Aircraft?
Ever wondered what it feels like to fly in an open-cockpit aircraft? From climbing onto the wing of a 1941 Boeing Stearman to feeling the wind in your face and hearing the roar of the radial engine, it's an aviation experience unlike any other.
