Organisers of the free four-day event have got their fingers crossed as the annual show is being given a final chance to prove it can succeed.
After last year's controversial £5 entry charge, it is hoped this year's event will be self-funding because tourism bosses say the council will no longer be able to stage the airshow if 2009's event is not a success.
However, Airbourne organisers say everything is in place for an excellent show and spectators, who are promised a world class flying programme, had their eyes glued to the skies yesterday afternoon.
Highlights scheduled for yesterday included the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Hawk T1, Guniot Wingwalkers, Tigers Parachute Display Team and the popular Red Arrows.
Visitors will enjoy a packed line up of international aircraft displays over the weekend followed by a firework finale on Sunday evening.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism Councillor Susan Morris said, Visitors are in for a truly spectacular airshow.
"With entertainment carrying on into the evening at this year's event, visitors have plenty to look forward to in 2009."
Spectators will also be treated to the Blades Extra 300, who have famously displayed at the Beckhams' pre-World Cup Party.
And East Sussex County Council is helping to make the event a success by suspending pay to park along Eastbourne seafront during the show.
Eastbourne Borough Council welcomed the decision to allow free parking during 2009's airshow and borough councillor Sandy Howlett said she was 'delighted'.
Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce has made appeals to businesses and supporters to get behind this year's show.
A chamber spokesperson said, "Put simply, under the worst circumstances, there will not be an event in 2010 – a situation that those of us committed to Eastbourne and its prosperity would find unpalatable.
"We are committed to work in partnership with all elements of the local community to ensure that Airbourne 2009 is the success that our town deserves.
"Without everyone's help, we may not have an Airbourne to enjoy and benefit from after this year."
Last year's show made a £380,000 loss and it needs to be self-funding this year if it is to continue.
Volunteers from Eastbourne Hospitality Association are carrying out a bucket collection to raise funds to pay for Airbourne 2009 and secure the future of the show. Seventy per cent of the money raised will be used to offset the costs and the remaining 30 per cent will go to the association's designated charity, the Sussex Air Ambulance.

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Your day-by-day flying and events guide to the show

Friday
Arena Displays 10am - 6pm
Flying Displays 2pm - 5.05pm
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
F16
Hawk T1
KC-135 US Air Force Stratotanker
King Air B200
P-51 Mustang
Spitfire
Swift Glider Team
Team Guinot Wingwalkers
Tigers Parachute Display Team
Tutor T1
Red Arrows 2pm
Come Fly With Me! 6pm - 8pm
Swing Street Band
Easy Company military vehicle display
6.15pm Eurofighter Typhoon
6.45pm Gnats
7.10pm Spitfire
7.25pm Hawker Hurricane MKIIB
7.40pm The Blades

Saturday
Arena Displays 10am - 6pm
Flying Displays 2pm - 5.50pm
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Blades
Eurofighter Typhoon
F16
Gnat
Hawk T1
Hawker Hurricane MKIIB
King Air B200
P-51 Mustang
Spitfire
Swift Glider Team
Team Guinot Wingwalkers
Tigers Parachute Display Team
Tutor T1
Red Arrows 4.35pm

Sunday
Arena Displays 10am - 6pm
Flying Displays noon-4.22pm
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Blades
Eurofighter Typhoon
F16
Gnat
Hawk T1
Hawker Hurricane MKIIB
King Air B200
P-51 Mustang
Spitfire
Swift Glider Team
Team Guinot Wingwalkers
Tigers Parachute Display Team
Tutor T1
Red Arrows 12noon
Fireworks 10pm